Title 39, Postal ServiceRelease 119-102
§402 Delegation of Authority
Title 39 › PART I — GENERAL › CHAPTER 4 — GENERAL AUTHORITY › § 402
Summary
The Board of Governors can give its powers to the Postmaster General, including redelegation, except for powers that belong only to the Governors. It can also create committees and give them authority. Those delegations must follow the law, do not remove the Board’s responsibility, and can be revoked by the Governors.
Full Legal Text
Title 39, §402
Postal Service, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Except for those powers, duties, or obligations specifically vested in the Governors, as distinguished from the Board of Governors, the Board may delegate the authority vested in it to the Postmaster General under such terms, conditions, and limitations, including the power of redelegation, as it deems desirable. The Board may establish such committees of the Board, and delegate such powers to any committee, as the Board determines appropriate to carry out its functions and duties. Delegations to the Postmaster General or committees shall be consistent with other provisions of this title, shall not relieve the Board of full responsibility for the carrying out of its duties and functions, and shall be revocable by the Governors in their exclusive judgment.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective Jan. 16, 1971, pursuant to Resolution No. 71–5 of the Board of Governors. See section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91–375, set out as a note preceding section 101 of this title.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
39 U.S.C. § 402
Title 39, Postal Service
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102