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39 U.S.C. 401, general powers of the Postal Service

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						<h1 class="title" id="page_title"> 39 U.S. Code § 401 - General powers of the Postal Service </h1>
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<span class="chapeau indent0">Subject to the provisions of section 404a, the Postal Service shall have the following general powers:</span>
<div class="paragraph indent1"><a name="1"></a><span class="num" value="1">(1)</span>
<div class="content"> to sue and be sued in its official name;</div>
</div>
<div class="paragraph indent1"><a name="2"></a><span class="num" value="2">(2)</span>
<div class="content"> to adopt, amend, and repeal such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with this title, as may be necessary in the execution of its functions under this title and such other functions as may be assigned to the Postal Service under any provisions of law outside of this title;</div>
</div>
<div class="paragraph indent1"><a name="3"></a><span class="num" value="3">(3)</span>
<div class="content"> to enter into and perform contracts, execute instruments, and determine the character of, and necessity for, its expenditures;</div>
</div>
<div class="paragraph indent1"><a name="4"></a><span class="num" value="4">(4)</span>
<div class="content"> to determine and keep its own system of accounts and the forms and contents of its contracts and other business documents, except as otherwise provided in this title;</div>
</div>
<div class="paragraph indent1"><a name="5"></a><span class="num" value="5">(5)</span>
<div class="content"> to acquire, in any lawful manner, such personal or real property, or any interest therein, as it deems necessary or convenient in the transaction of its business; to hold, maintain, sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of such property or any interest therein; and to provide services in connection therewith and charges therefor;</div>
</div>
<div class="paragraph indent1"><a name="6"></a><span class="num" value="6">(6)</span>
<div class="content"> to construct, operate, lease, and maintain buildings, facilities, equipment, and other improvements on any property owned or controlled by it, including, without limitation, any property or interest therein transferred to it under <a href="/uscode/text/39/2002">section 2002 of this title</a>;</div>
</div>
<div class="paragraph indent1"><a name="7"></a><span class="num" value="7">(7)</span>
<div class="content"> to accept gifts or donations of services or property, real or personal, as it deems, necessary or convenient in the transaction of its business;</div>
</div>
<div class="paragraph indent1"><a name="8"></a><span class="num" value="8">(8)</span>
<div class="content"> to settle and compromise claims by or against it;</div>
</div>
<div class="paragraph indent1"><a name="9"></a><span class="num" value="9">(9)</span>
<div class="content"> to exercise, in the name of the United States, the right of eminent domain for the furtherance of its official purposes; and to have the priority of the United States with respect to the payment of debts out of bankrupt, insolvent, and decedents’ estates; and</div>
</div>
<div class="paragraph indent1"><a name="10"></a><span class="num" value="10">(10)</span>
<div class="content"> to have all other powers incidental, necessary, or appropriate to the carrying on of its functions or the exercise of its specific powers.</div>
</div>
<div class="sourceCredit">(<a href="/rio/citation/Pub._L._91-375">Pub. L. 91–375</a>, <span class="date" date="1970-08-12">Aug. 12, 1970</span>, <a href="/rio/citation/84_Stat._722">84 Stat. 722</a>; <a href="/rio/citation/Pub._L._109-435">Pub. L. 109–435, title IV, § 403(b)(1)</a>, title V, § 504, <span class="date" date="2006-12-20">Dec. 20, 2006</span>, <a href="/rio/citation/120_Stat._3227">120 Stat. 3227</a>, 3235.)</div>
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<div class="note" topic="editorialNotes"><span class="heading centered"><strong>Editorial Notes</strong></span></div>
<div class="note" topic="amendments"><span class="heading centered smallCaps">Amendments</span>
<p>2006—<a href="/rio/citation/Pub._L._109-435">Pub. L. 109–435, § 403(b)(1)</a>, substituted “Subject to the provisions of section 404a, the” for “The” in introductory provisions.</p>
<p>Par. (2). <a href="/rio/citation/Pub._L._109-435">Pub. L. 109–435, § 504</a>, amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: “to adopt, amend, and repeal such rules and regulations as it deems necessary to accomplish the objectives of this title;”.</p>
</div>
<div class="note" topic="statutoryNotes"><span class="heading centered"><strong>Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries</strong></span></div>
<div class="note" topic="effectiveDate"><span class="heading centered smallCaps">Effective Date</span>
<p>Pars. (1) and (3) to (10) effective <span class="date" date="1971-07-01">July 1, 1971</span>, pursuant to Resolution No. 71–9 of the Board of Governors and par. (2) effective <span class="date" date="1970-08-12">Aug. 12, 1970</span>. See <a href="/rio/citation/Pub._L._91-375">section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91–375</a>, set out as a note preceding <a href="/uscode/text/39/101">section 101 of this title</a>.</p>
</div>
<div class="note" topic="execDoc"><span class="heading centered"><strong>Executive Documents</strong></span></div>
<div class="note" topic="miscellaneous">
<span class="heading centered smallCaps">Emergency Preparedness Functions</span>
<p>For assignment of certain emergency preparedness functions to the Postmaster General, see Parts 1, 2, and 26 of <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/link/cpd/executiveorder/12656">Ex. Ord. No. 12656</a>, <span class="date" date="1988-11-18">Nov. 18, 1988</span>, <a aria-label="53 F.R. 47491" href="/rio/citation/53_FR_47491">53 F.R. 47491</a>, set out as a note under <a href="/uscode/text/42/5195">section 5195 of Title 42</a>, The Public Health and Welfare.</p>
</div>
<div class="note" topic="executiveOrder">
<span class="heading centered smallCaps">Executive Order No. 13975</span>
<p><a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/link/cpd/executiveorder/13975">Ex. Ord. No. 13975</a>, <span class="date" date="2021-01-14">Jan. 14, 2021</span>, <a aria-label="86 F.R. 6547" href="/rio/citation/86_FR_6547">86 F.R. 6547</a>, which encouraged Buy American policies for the <span link="https://liicornell.org/liifedent/united_states_postal_service" occur="1" src="named_federal_agencies">United States Postal Service</span>, was revoked by <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/link/cpd/executiveorder/14005">Ex. Ord. No. 14005</a>, § 14(a), <span class="date" date="2021-01-25">Jan. 25, 2021</span>, <a aria-label="86 F.R. 7478" href="/rio/citation/86_FR_7478">86 F.R. 7478</a>, set out as a note under <a href="/uscode/text/41/8301">section 8301 of Title 41</a>, Public Contracts.</p>
</div>
</div></notes>
</div>
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<table class="table table-striped">
<thead>
<tr>
<th scope="col">CFR Title</th>
<th scope="col">Parts</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>
<a href="/cfr/text/5/part-7001" title="PART 7001—SUPPLEMENTAL STANDARDS OF ETHICAL CONDUCT FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE">
                                                7001
                                            </a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>39</td>
<td>
<a href="/cfr/text/39/part-1" title="PART 1—POSTAL POLICY (ARTICLE I)">
                                                1
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-2" title="PART 2—GENERAL AND TECHNICAL PROVISIONS (ARTICLE II)">
                                                2
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-3" title="PART 3—BOARD OF GOVERNORS (ARTICLE III)">
                                                3
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-4" title="PART 4—OFFICIALS (ARTICLE IV)">
                                                4
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-5" title="PART 5—COMMITTEES (ARTICLE V)">
                                                5
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-6" title="PART 6—MEETINGS (ARTICLE VI)">
                                                6
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-10" title="PART 10—RULES OF CONDUCT FOR POSTAL SERVICE GOVERNORS (ARTICLE X)">
                                                10
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-11" title="PART 11—ADVISORY BOARDS (ARTICLE XI)">
                                                11
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-20" title="PART 20—INTERNATIONAL POSTAL SERVICE">
                                                20
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-111" title="PART 111—GENERAL INFORMATION ON POSTAL SERVICE">
                                                111
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-113" title="">
                                                113
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-121" title="PART 121—SERVICE STANDARDS FOR MARKET-DOMINANT MAIL PRODUCTS">
                                                121
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-122" title="PART 122—SERVICE STANDARDS FOR MARKET-DOMINANT SPECIAL SERVICES PRODUCTS">
                                                122
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-211" title="PART 211—APPLICATION OF REGULATIONS">
                                                211
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-221" title="PART 221—GENERAL ORGANIZATION">
                                                221
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-222" title="PART 222—DELEGATIONS OF AUTHORITY">
                                                222
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-223" title="PART 223—RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNICATION CHANNELS">
                                                223
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-231" title="PART 231—PROTECTION OF POST OFFICES">
                                                231
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-233" title="PART 233—INSPECTION SERVICE AUTHORITY">
                                                233
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-235" title="PART 235—DEFENSE DEPARTMENT LIAISON">
                                                235
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-241" title="PART 241—ESTABLISHMENT CLASSIFICATION, AND DISCONTINUANCE">
                                                241
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-242" title="PART 242—CHANGE OF SITE">
                                                242
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-254" title="PART 254—POSTAL SERVICE STANDARDS FOR FACILITY ACCESSIBILITY PURSUANT TO THE ARCHITECTURAL BARRIERS ACT">
                                                254
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-255" title="PART 255—ACCESS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TO POSTAL SERVICE PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES, FACILITIES, AND ELECTRONIC AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY">
                                                255
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-259" title="PART 259—SERVICES PERFORMED FOR OTHER AGENCIES">
                                                259
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-261" title="PART 261—RECORDS AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT">
                                                261
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-262" title="PART 262—RECORDS AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEFINITIONS">
                                                262
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-263" title="PART 263—RECORDS RETENTION AND DISPOSITION">
                                                263
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-264" title="PART 264—VITAL RECORDS">
                                                264
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-265" title="PART 265—PRODUCTION OR DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL OR INFORMATION">
                                                265
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-266" title="PART 266—PRIVACY OF INFORMATION">
                                                266
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-267" title="PART 267—PROTECTION OF INFORMATION">
                                                267
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-268" title="PART 268—PRIVACY OF INFORMATION—EMPLOYEE RULES OF CONDUCT">
                                                268
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-273" title="PART 273—ADMINISTRATION OF PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES ACT">
                                                273
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-281" title="PART 281—FIRM MAILINGS DAMAGED OR DESTROYED THROUGH TRANSPORTATION ACCIDENTS OR CATASTROPHES">
                                                281
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-310" title="PART 310—ENFORCEMENT OF THE PRIVATE EXPRESS STATUTES">
                                                310
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-320" title="PART 320—SUSPENSION OF THE PRIVATE EXPRESS STATUTES">
                                                320
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-447" title="PART 447—RULES OF CONDUCT FOR POSTAL EMPLOYEES">
                                                447
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-491" title="PART 491—GARNISHMENT OF SALARIES OF EMPLOYEES OF THE POSTAL SERVICE AND THE POSTAL RATE COMMISSION">
                                                491
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-492" title="PART 492—ADMINISTRATIVE WAGE GARNISHMENT FROM NON-POSTAL SOURCES">
                                                492
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-501" title="PART 501—AUTHORIZATION TO MANUFACTURE AND DISTRIBUTE POSTAGE EVIDENCING SYSTEMS">
                                                501
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-551" title="PART 551—SEMIPOSTAL STAMP PROGRAM">
                                                551
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-601" title="PART 601—PURCHASING OF PROPERTY AND SERVICES">
                                                601
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-602" title="PART 602—INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OTHER THAN PATENTS">
                                                602
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-760" title="PART 760—APPLICABILITY OF TREASURY DEPARTMENT REGULATIONS">
                                                760
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-761" title="PART 761—BOOK-ENTRY PROCEDURES">
                                                761
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-762" title="PART 762—DISBURSEMENT POSTAL MONEY ORDERS">
                                                762
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-775" title="PART 775—NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT PROCEDURES">
                                                775
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-776" title="PART 776—FLOODPLAIN AND WETLAND PROCEDURES">
                                                776
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-777" title="PART 777—RELOCATION ASSISTANCE AND REAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION POLICIES">
                                                777
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-778" title="PART 778—INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW OF POSTAL SERVICE FACILITY ACTIONS">
                                                778
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-913" title="PART 913—PROCEDURES FOR THE ISSUANCE OF ADMINISTRATIVE SUBPOENAS UNDER 39 U.S.C. 3016">
                                                913
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-927" title="PART 927—RULES OF PROCEDURE RELATING TO FINES, DEDUCTIONS, AND DAMAGES">
                                                927
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-931" title="PART 931—RULES OF PROCEDURE GOVERNING THE COMPROMISE OF OBLIGATIONS">
                                                931
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-946" title="PART 946—RULES OF PROCEDURE RELATING TO THE DISPOSITION OF STOLEN MAIL MATTER AND PROPERTY ACQUIRED BY THE POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE FOR USE AS EVIDENCE">
                                                946
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-951" title="PART 951—ELIGIBILITY TO PRACTICE BEFORE THE POSTAL SERVICE">
                                                951
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-952" title="PART 952—FALSE REPRESENTATION AND LOTTERY ORDERS">
                                                952
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-953" title="PART 953—MAILABILITY">
                                                953
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-954" title="PART 954—DENIAL, SUSPENSION, OR REVOCATON OF PERIODICALS MAIL PRIVILEGES">
                                                954
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-955" title="PART 955—POSTAL SERVICE BOARD OF CONTRACT APPEALS">
                                                955
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-957" title="PART 957—DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION FROM CONTRACTING">
                                                957
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-958" title="PART 958—HAZARDOUS MATERIALS">
                                                958
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-959" title="PART 959—PRIVATE EXPRESS STATUTES">
                                                959
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-960" title="PART 960—EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACT IN POSTAL SERVICE PROCEEDINGS">
                                                960
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-961" title="PART 961—DEBT COLLECTION ACT PROCEEDINGS AGAINST CURRENT EMPLOYEES">
                                                961
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-962" title="PART 962—PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES ACT">
                                                962
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-963" title="PART 963—PANDERING">
                                                963
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-964" title="PART 964—WITHHELD MAIL">
                                                964
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-965" title="PART 965—MAIL DISPUTES">
                                                965
                                            </a>, 
                                        
                                            <a href="/cfr/text/39/part-966" title="PART 966—ADMINISTRATIVE OFFSETS INITIATED AGAINST FORMER POSTAL SERVICE EMPLOYEES">
                                                966
                                            </a>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
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