evidence: A 2006 law makes the USPS’ problems worse Despite these unique requirements, the USPS continued to net positive cash flows, and was actually profitable until 2006 – at which point Congress passed the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act during a lame-duck session. Under this law, the USPS was required to pre-fund 75 years worth of retiree health care benefits in the span of roughly 10 years.