If the reform passes, it could head off next year's planned 5.4% postal rate increase the one that will push the cost of mailing a single letter to 39 cents from 37 cents.

FORBES

Although the U.S. Postal Service is ostensibly independent of the federal government, in fact the Postal Rate Commission, which in December became the Postal Regulatory Commission, appointed by the president, sets all postal rates.

FORBES: Fanning The Fees