[Stardust]

^ Unless it was in the 1800's, I don't think Congress has ever had anything to do with authorizing rate increases. In 1970 the Postal Rate Commission was created to review rate increases. The PRC was renamed to the Postal Regulatory Commission, but the premise has stated the same.

As for the rates being based on where you live would be extremely difficult to create. It's not the recipient, but the sender that would have to pay the higher fee. Why should the sender have to pay a premium to send the mailpiece?

The USPS is wanting to compete as a business today. It's why postage is only .44 cents. Since the are a non-profit entity, then it is fair to say that postage should be increased to cover cost. If it's a dollar, then it's a dollar. But that model has to be robust enough to change to a higher cost quickly. To increase postage expense will drive even more mail from the system. Today, Congress requires certain types of communications to be given to citizens. Unless the citizen opts for an electronic medium, then it must be in hardcopy form. Should Congress also dictate that citizens must be in a position to accept required mailings be accepted in electronic fashion?