[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 213 (Friday, November 2, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 55577]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-27626]



[[Page 55577]]

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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 960


Implementation of the Contract With America Advancement Act

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Postal Service is amending the rules implementing the 
Equal Access to Justice Act in Postal Service proceedings to reflect 
the statutory increase in the amount of the hourly fees payable.

EFFECTIVE DATE: November 2, 2001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane M. Mego, (703) 812-1905.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Contract with America Advancement Act of 
1996 (Pub. L. 104-121, 110 Stat. 857 (1996)) increased the maximum 
amount of attorney fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act from $75 
per hour to $125 per hour. This rulemaking amends 39 CFR part 960 to 
conform with the statutory change. In addition, language specifying the 
allowable fees for expert witnesses is being deleted.
    These are statutorily mandated changes in agency rules of procedure 
before the Judicial Officer and, therefore, it is appropriate for their 
adoption by the Postal Service to become effective immediately.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 960

    Administrative practice and procedure, Equal access to justice, 
Postal Service.

    Accordingly, the Postal Service adopts amendments to 39 CFR part 
960 as specifically set forth below:

PART 960--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 960 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 504 (c) (1); 39 U.S.C. 204, 401 (2).


Sec. 960.6  [Amended]

    2. Section 960.6(b) is amended by removing ``$75.00 per hour'' and 
adding $125.00 per hour, or such rate as prescribed by 5 U.S.C. 504''.

    3. Section 960.6(b) is further amended by removing ``, which is 
generally $50.00 per hour''.


Sec. 960.7  [Amended]

    4. Section 960.7(a) is amended by removing ``$75 per hour'' and 
adding ``$125.00 per hour, or such rate as prescribed by 5 U.S.C. 
504,''.

Stanley F. Mires,
Chief Counsel, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 01-27626 Filed 11-1-01; 8:45 am]
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