PolicyBrief
H.R. 1461
119th CongressDec 9th 2025
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 521 Thorn Street in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, as the Mary Elizabeth Bettie Cole Post Office Building.
HOUSE PASSED

This bill officially renames the U.S. Postal Service facility at 521 Thorn Street in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, as the Mary Elizabeth Bettie Cole Post Office Building.

Chris Deluzio
D

Chris Deluzio

Representative

PA-17

LEGISLATION

Sewickley Post Office Renamed: Honoring Mary Elizabeth Bettie Cole at 521 Thorn Street

This bill is short, sweet, and highly local. It officially renames the United States Postal Service facility located at 521 Thorn Street in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, as the “Mary Elizabeth Bettie Cole Post Office Building.” Essentially, this is a ceremonial act of recognition, giving the facility a new, permanent federal designation. All future federal documents and references must use this specific new name when talking about this particular post office, standardizing the official record.

What Does a Naming Bill Actually Do?

For the average person, this bill won't change your daily routine—you’ll still mail letters, pick up packages, and buy stamps the same way. This legislation is administrative, not operational; it doesn't affect postal rates, delivery schedules, or the number of staff. It’s about recognizing an individual, Mary Elizabeth Bettie Cole, by permanently attaching her name to a specific piece of federal property in her community. While the impact on your wallet or commute is zero, it’s a big deal for the family and the local community seeking to honor her memory.

The Real-World Impact: Local Recognition

Since this bill is solely focused on renaming a building (Section 1), its impact is entirely symbolic and local. It ensures that whenever the federal government references the 521 Thorn Street location, it will officially acknowledge the name chosen by the community. For the residents of Sewickley, it means their local post office is now a permanent memorial. This kind of legislation is common when communities want to honor figures who have made significant contributions locally, providing a lasting, tangible tribute that cuts through the noise of national policy debates.