2018 US Code
Title 39 - Postal Service
Part III - Modernization and Fiscal Administration
Chapter 26 - Debts and Collection
Sec. 2601 - Collection and adjustment of debts

Download PDF
Citation 39 U.S.C. § 2601 (2018)
Section Name §2601. Collection and adjustment of debts
Section Text

(a) The Postal Service—

(1) shall collect debts due the Postal Service;

(2) shall collect and remit fines, penalties, and forfeitures arising out of matters affecting the Postal Service;

(3) may adjust, pay, or credit the account of a postmaster or of an enlisted person of an Armed Force performing postal duties, for any loss of Postal Service funds, papers, postage, or other stamped stock or accountable paper; and

(4) may prescribe penalties for failure to render accounts.


The Postal Service may refer any matter, which is uncollectable through administrative action, to the Government Accountability Office for collection. This subsection does not affect the authority of the Attorney General in cases in which judicial proceedings are instituted.

(b) In all cases of disability or alleged liability for any sum of money by way of damages or otherwise, under any provision of law in relation to the officers, employees, operations, or business of the Postal Service, the Postal Service shall determine whether the interests of the Postal Service probably require the exercise of its powers over the same. Upon the determination, the Postal Service on such terms as it deems just and expedient, may—

(1) remove the disability; or

(2) compromise, release, or discharge the claim for such sum of money and damages.

Source Credit

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 744; Pub. L. 108–271, §8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814.)

Editorial Notes AMENDMENTS

2004—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted "Government Accountability Office" for "General Accounting Office" in concluding provisions.

EFFECTIVE DATE

Section effective July 1, 1971, pursuant to Resolution No. 71–9 of the Board of Governors. See section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91–375, set out as a note preceding section 101 of this title.

Publication Title United States Code, 2018 Edition, Title 39 - POSTAL SERVICE
Category Bills and Statutes
Collection United States Code
SuDoc Class Number Y 1.2/5:
Contained Within Title 39 - POSTAL SERVICE
PART III - MODERNIZATION AND FISCAL ADMINISTRATION
CHAPTER 26 - DEBTS AND COLLECTION
Sec. 2601 - Collection and adjustment of debts
Contains section 2601
Date 2018
Laws In Effect As Of Date January 14, 2019
Positive Law Yes
Disposition standard
Statutes at Large References 84 Stat. 744
118 Stat. 814
Public Law References Public Law 91-375, Public Law 108-271
Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. United States may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.