Bayard Rustin Stamp Act

119th Congress Introduced by Shontel Brown and 9 co-sponsors

The bill requires the USPS to issue a forever stamp honoring Bayard Rustin, recognizing his civil rights and social justice contributions.

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E114-115)

Bayard Rustin Stamp Act — HR 7441 (119th Congress)

Purpose and intent

Directs the Postmaster General to issue a forever stamp depicting Bayard Rustin.

Aims to honor Rustin’s life and contributions to the civil rights movement, labor rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and social justice.

Key provisions

Section 3(a): The Postmaster General must provide for the issuance of a forever (definitive) stamp suitable for the purpose of honoring Bayard Rustin.

Section 3(b): Defines “forever stamp” for this Act as:

A definitive stamp that covers postage for first-class mail up to one ounce, and
Maintains validity for that purpose even if first-class postage rates increase in the future.

Section 3(c): The stamp shall be issued as soon as practicable after enactment.

Findings and context (Sec. 2)

Outlines Bayard Rustin’s biography and legacy, including:

Birth in 1912; upbringing in West Chester, PA; adherence to nonviolence and Quaker values.
Involvement with the Fellowship of Reconciliation and leadership in the 1947 Journey of Reconciliation, a precursor to the Freedom Rides.
Advisory role to Martin Luther King Jr, advocating nonviolence.
Chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
Later work promoting LGBTQ+ rights, labor rights, and advocacy for disenfranchised communities until his death in 1987.

Affected parties

U.S. Postal Service (Postmaster General) responsible for issuing the stamp.

General public and stamp collectors who would have access to a Bayard Rustin commemorative forever stamp.

Advocacy communities highlighting Rustin’s legacy in civil rights, labor, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Bill introduction date: February 9, 2026.

Referral: Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

The Act requires the issuance of the stamp “as soon as practicable after the date of enactment.”

Status and actions: Includes multiple co-sponsors from various demographics and regions.

Summary of impact

Symbolic impact: Elevates Bayard Rustin’s legacy in national memory and public consciousness.

Practical impact: Creates a forever-stamp item that remains valid despite future postage rate changes, ensuring lasting recognition.

Administrative impact: Requires USPS to design, approve, and release a stamp image of Rustin in a timely manner following enactment.

Note: The bill focuses on recognition through a postage stamp and does not propose additional funding or programmatic changes beyond the stamp issuance.