Summary: The State Department assumed primary responsibility for U.S. policy on Universal Postal Union (UPU) matters in 1998. State has made progress in implementing its new responsibilities by consulting with the Postal Service, other federal agencies, postal users, private providers of international postal services, and the public. Also, State clearly signaled changes in U.S. policy on UPU reform. Despite this progress, opportunities exist for State to improve its process for developing U.S. policy on these matters and the institutional continuity and expertise of its staff. For example, GAO found shortcomings in the timing and notifications for public meetings and the distribution of documents discussed at those meeting that may have limited opportunities for stakeholders to provide meaningful input. GAO recommends that State establish a more structured, timely, and open process for developing U.S. policy on UPU matters. Also, State should provide sufficient staff continuity and expertise to handle its UPU responsibilities. It is unclear, however, how State plans to address GAO's recommendations. This testimony summarized the January 2000 GAO report, GAO/GGD-00-40.
