H.R.1461 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 521 Thorn Street in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, as the Mary Elizabeth Bettie Cole Post Office Building. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1461 proposes to designate the United States Postal Service facility located at 521 Thorn Street in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, as the "Mary Elizabeth `Bettie' Cole Post Office Building". The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 21, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The bill is sponsored by Mr. Deluzio and several co-sponsors.
The bill's primary purpose is to honor Mary Elizabeth `Bettie' Cole by naming a post office after her. This action does not involve any significant policy changes or financial implications beyond the administrative costs of renaming the building.
Such designations are common practice in Congress to recognize individuals for their contributions to their communities.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R.1461 will officially rename the designated post office. All references to the facility in laws, maps, regulations, documents, and other records of the United States will be updated to reflect the new name.
This change is primarily symbolic, serving to honor Mary Elizabeth `Bettie' Cole. Day-to-day operations of the post office will remain unaffected.
Potential Benefits
- Honors Mary Elizabeth `Bettie' Cole for her contributions.
- Provides a lasting tribute to a community member.
- May foster a sense of local pride and recognition.
- Incurs minimal costs, mainly for signage and administrative updates.
- Reinforces the importance of community service and recognition.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Minimal impact on broader national issues.
- Potential for debate over the selection criteria for honorees, though this is unlikely in this specific case.
- Minor administrative costs associated with renaming the facility.
- Could be perceived as a symbolic gesture with little substantive impact.
- May divert attention from more pressing policy matters.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the legislative powers granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8 of the US Constitution, which includes the power to establish post offices and post roads. Designating a post office's name falls within Congress's purview to manage and regulate federal properties and services.
Furthermore, the bill does not infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights or other constitutional amendments. It is a specific act of recognition with localized impact.
Therefore, the bill is constitutionally sound.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).