USPS has not put the Alzheimer’s semipostal research stamp back on the market as directed by Congress

Washington (February 28, 2020) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), along with Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) today raised concerns over the United States Postal Service (USPS) refusal to continue the sale of the Alzheimer’s semipostal research stamp as directed by Congress in report language accompanying the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 appropriations package, which became law on December 20, 2019. 

“Congress, and Alzheimer’s advocates alike have demonstrated a long-standing commitment to the creation, and continuation, of the Alzheimer’s semipostal stamp,” write the Senators in their letter. “Discontinuing the sale of the Alzheimer’s semipostal research stamp would thwart nearly two decades of work on bringing the vision of this stamp to fruition.”

Approximately 5.8 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease, and Alzheimer’s and other dementias are anticipated to cost $290 billion in 2019 alone. Medical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is critical to ensure continued improvements in related treatments, and to eventually finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. A portion of the funds from the sale of these stamps go directly toward medical research conducted at the NIH. Congress also has repeatedly expressed interest in the continued availability of the Alzheimer’s research stamp, beyond the November 30, 2019 deadline established by USPS.

In November 2019, Senator Markey led 13 of his Senate colleagues and 30 members of the House requesting the Postmaster General to continue selling these stamps instead of destroying the remaining stamps.

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