The bill designates the USPS facility at 409 South Hicks Street in Lawrenceville, Virginia as the James Solomon Russell Post Office. It also requires that references to the facility in law, maps, regulations, and other records use the new name.
The measure is a naming action only and does not alter operations, funding, or postal service policies.
If enacted, the change would be reflected in official documents and signage associated with the facility. The designation is limited to the identified facility and does not imply any broader changes to the postal system or federal transportation or municipal authorities.The sponsor, Representative Jennifer McClellan, has introduced this straightforward honor as a matter of local recognition and consistent naming in federal records.
At a Glance
What It Does
The bill designates the USPS facility at 409 South Hicks Street in Lawrenceville, Virginia as the James Solomon Russell Post Office. It also requires that references to the facility in laws, maps, regulations, and other records use the new name.
Who It Affects
USPS staff and customers at the Lawrenceville facility, as well as federal, state, and local records and signage referencing the post office.
Why It Matters
It formalizes a local historical designation within federal nomenclature, ensuring consistency across official documents and maps with minimal operational impact.
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What This Bill Actually Does
This bill designates a single postal facility in Lawrenceville, Virginia as the James Solomon Russell Post Office. The action is strictly a naming designation, and it does not authorize changes to postal operations, staffing, or funding.
Section 1 outlines the designation and requires that any references in laws, maps, regulations, or other records use the new name. In practical terms, if enacted, signage at the building and references in federal documents would reflect the James Solomon Russell Post Office.
The measure is narrowly tailored to this one facility and does not imply broader changes to the Postal Service or its policies. The designation is presented as a matter of historical recognition rather than a policy shift.
The Five Things You Need to Know
The designation applies to the USPS facility at 409 South Hicks Street, Lawrenceville, VA.
Section 1(a) designates the facility as the James Solomon Russell Post Office.
Section 1(b) requires references to the facility in laws, maps, regulations, documents, or other records to reflect the new name.
The bill does not change USPS operations, staffing, or funding.
Enactment into law and presidential signature would be required for the designation to take effect.
Section-by-Section Breakdown
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Designation of James Solomon Russell Post Office
Section 1(a) designates the United States Postal Service facility at 409 South Hicks Street in Lawrenceville, Virginia as the James Solomon Russell Post Office. Section 1(b) requires that any reference to the facility in law, maps, regulations, documents, or other records be treated as a reference to the James Solomon Russell Post Office. The effect is limited to naming and does not alter postal operations or funding.
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Who Benefits
- Residents of Lawrenceville, VA who rely on the local post office and may benefit from a clearly named facility reflecting local history.
- The James Solomon Russell family and local historical groups who have a stake in preserving and recognizing community heritage.
- USPS staff at the Lawrenceville facility, who will operate under a consistent, officially recognized designation.
- Local businesses and visitors who rely on clear signage and directions to the post office.
Who Bears the Cost
- USPS signage replacement and installation costs to reflect the new name at the facility.
- Administrative and IT efforts to update internal records, maps, and external references across federal databases and public-facing materials.
- Local government and community organizations may incur minor costs to reflect the new designation in local directories or promotional materials.
- There could be a brief period of transition for customers as the new name becomes established in signage and records.
Key Issues
The Core Tension
The central tension is between honoring local history through naming and managing the small but real administrative costs and coordination required to update official references and signage across multiple federal and local documents. The designation offers symbolic value without substantive policy change, raising questions about the best use of resources for symbolically recognizing individuals.
The bill is narrowly focused on a naming designation for a single USPS facility and does not authorize funding, alter operations, or change postal service policies. Implementation would require updates to signage and to references in laws, maps, and official documents if the measure becomes law.
The fiscal impact is likely minimal, limited to administrative and signage costs subject to agency budgeting and procurement processes. Questions may remain about coordinating updates across all federal references and ensuring consistency in local employment handbooks and directories.
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