STAMFORD, Conn., April 13 -- Pitney Bowes Inc. has expressed its appreciation to the leadership and members of the House Government Reform Committee for unanimously approving the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act. "This action is an essential step on the road to real postal reform," said Michael J. Critelli, Chairman and CEO of Pitney Bowes. "The Committee's action shows there is broad, bipartisan support for legislation to enable the Postal Service to survive and thrive in the 21st century. We greatly appreciate the work of Committee Chairman Tom Davis and Ranking Member Henry Waxman, and that of Special Postal Panel Chairman John McHugh and Ranking Member Danny Davis. We look forward to continue working with them in the legislative process on further amendments to make this as good a bill as possible," Critelli said. Critelli, who also serves as chairman of the Mailing Industry CEO Council, noted that Pitney Bowes has long supported postal reform. "We look forward to working with the Congress to make comprehensive postal reform a reality," Critelli said. Pitney Bowes has called for legislation that: * Clarifies that the mission of the Postal Service is to maintain universal physical mail service at affordable rates; * Enhances private sector partnerships for the most cost-effective postal system; * Encourages the Postal Service to embrace technology; * Maintains price stability while increasing pricing flexibility; and * Improves the Postal Service's tools to manage its business and employees.