Plain Language Summary
# Pony Up Act Summary **What the bill would do:** The Pony Up Act would require the U.S. Postal Service to compensate citizens for late fees or penalties they incur when USPS delays delivering bills, notices, or payments. Specifically, USPS would be responsible if it receives a bill at least 12 days before the due date but delivers it fewer than 6 days before the deadline, or if it receives a payment at least 5 days early but delivers it after the due date.
The bill includes exceptions for delays caused by major disasters or presidential emergencies outside USPS's control. **Who it affects:** This bill would primarily affect individual citizens and households who incur late payment penalties due to mail delays, as well as the U.S. Postal Service, which would become financially liable for compensation. It could also indirectly affect creditors and billing companies that rely on mail delivery. **Current status:** The bill (HR 431) is currently in committee in the 119th Congress and has not yet been voted on or passed by either chamber.
CRS Official Summary
Pony Up ActThis bill requires the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to pay a citizen for late payment fees or penalties incurred due to late delivery of mail by USPS.Late delivery of mail means that (1) USPS received a bill or notice of bill at least 12 days prior to the payment due date and delivered such bill or notice of bill less than 6 days prior to the payment due date; or (2) USPS received a payment at least 5 days prior to the payment due date and delivered such payment after the due date. USPS is not required to pay a citizen for late payment fees or penalties when a bill, notice of bill, or payment is delayed for reasons outside of USPS control (for example, if a major disaster or emergency declared by the President caused the delay).
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.