Congressmen and Commissioner Receive 2026 Benjamin Franklin Award for Distinguished Leadership on Postal Policy
by Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager Feb 17, 2026

On February 11, PRINTING United Alliance was pleased to be represented by ACG Advocacy at a ceremony on Capitol Hill hosted by our friends at Keep US Posted. The purpose of the event was to recognize three leaders for their commitment to strengthening the nation’s postal system. Executive Director of Keep US Posted and former Congressman, Kevin Yoder (R-KS), presented the Benjamin Franklin Award for Distinguished Leadership on Postal Policy to Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Representative Pete Sessions (R-TX), and Postal Regulatory Commission Vice Chairman Robert Taub. The award, named for America’s first Postmaster General, honors public officials who have demonstrated sustained leadership in support of a reliable and accountable U.S. Postal Service.

Yoder commended the recipients for their bipartisan dedication to ensuring the long-term viability of USPS. He noted that Vice Chairman Taub’s recognition marks the first time a regulatory official has received the award, underscoring the importance of strong, independent oversight as USPS navigates ongoing operational and financial challenges.

Keep US Posted continues to advocate for H.R. 3004, the USPS Services Enhancement and Regulatory Viability Expansion and Sustainability for the U.S. Act (USPS SERVES US Act). The legislation is designed as an alternative to a taxpayer-funded bailout and seeks to address concerns surrounding the Delivering for America plan. Supporters argue the bill would help stabilize rates, strengthen service standards, and reinforce accountability by enhancing the authority of the Postal Regulatory Commission.

Among its major provisions, the USPS SERVES US Act would limit USPS to one rate increase per year, prevent unlimited price cap adjustments, and reduce rate-setting authority if productivity targets are not met. The measure would also establish an independent Office of the Customer Advocate and require binding service performance evaluations conducted by the PRC, including development of an independent mail volume estimation model.

The Alliance supports the USPS SERVES US Act and encourages members to lend their support by visiting the Advocacy Center and taking action.

In this article, Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager, PRINTING United Alliance, reports on the Keep US Posted 2026 Benjamin Franklin Award for Distinguished Leadership on Postal Policy. More information can be found at Business Excellence-Legislation or reach out to Steph should you have additional questions specific to how these issues may affect your business: sbuka@printing.org. 

To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.

Awards / Competitions Business Mailing
Stephanie Buka Government Affairs Manager
Hire This Expert

Stephanie Buka is the Government Affairs Manager for PRINTING United Alliance. In this role, she supports Ford Bowers, CEO, the Government Affairs team, and coordinates efforts with contracted lobbying firm, ACG Advocacy. Buka is the chief editor of the Industry Advocate newsletter. She is responsible for advocacy campaigns, policy analysis, strategy development and team leadership, all aimed at promoting the Alliance's legislative agenda. She is also responsible for the administration of the Alliance's political action committee, PrintPAC.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Buka served as a senior legislative researcher, and later as a constituent services coordinator, for the 15-member legislative body representing 1.3 million residents of Allegheny County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition to drafting legislation and addressing constituent concerns, Buka cultivated strong relationships with appointed and elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

Buka holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). She also earned a master's degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, along with a Certificate in Forensic Science and Law from Duquesne University.

Related Content

Getting Safer: Printing Industry's Injury and Illness Rates Fall Again in 2024

The printing industry has extended its improvement in safety, with injury and illness rates for 2024 showing another decrease. According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of reported workplace injuries and illnesses in printing operations dropped by 500 incidents from 2023 to 2024, marking an 8.5% decrease.

Direct Marketing Solutions Acquires 150-Year-Old Johnson & Quin

Direct Marketing Solutions (DMS), a nationally recognized provider of integrated direct marketing services, announced the acquisition of Johnson & Quin, a respected, family-owned direct marketing firm with a 150-year operating history.

Scodix and HEIDELBERG Extend Strategic Partnership to Transform the Italian Digital Embellishment Market

Scodix, the global leader in digital print embellishment, announces the extension of its long-term strategic partnership with Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG). Under the expanded agreement, HEIDELBERG Italy will lead the distribution of the Scodix’s Ultra Series presses.
}