Number: RS20921
Title: Semi-postal Stamps: Authorization, Revenue, and Selection Process
Authors: Kevin R. Kosar, Government and Finance Division; Pamela A. Hairston, Knowledge Services Group 
Abstract: In the 106th Congress, the Semipostal Authorization Act of 2000 extended the BCRS two years and authorized the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to issue other semipostals until 2010. USPS issued regulations inviting public nominations for future semipostals, providing that each can be sold for two years but only one can be on sale at any given time. Subsequent Congresses have further extended the life of the BCRS. Most recently, the 110th Congress authorized its sale through December 31, 2011. The breast cancer stamp's success is no guarantee that other semipostals will be equally successful. The "Heroes of 2001" stamp did not sell especially well and was withdrawn from circulation.
Pages: 6
Date: March 18, 2008