II 112th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1668 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES October 6, 2011 Mr. Merkley (for himself, Mr. Moran, Mr. Tester, Mr. Begich, Mr. Wyden, and Ms. Murkowski) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs A BILL To provide that the Postal Service may not close any post office which results in more than 10 miles distance (as measured on roads with year-round access) between any 2 post offices.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Protecting Rural Post Offices Act of 2011.

2.

Limitation on closing of post offices

Section 404(d) of title 39, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (7)Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, in making any determination under subsection (a)(3) as to the necessity for the closing or consolidation of any post office, the Postal Service may not close any post office which results in more than 10 miles distance (as measured on roads with year-round access) between any 2 post offices. .