U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) has introduced legislation that would instruct the Postmaster General to create a commemorative postage stamp to honor the legacy of Rosa Parks. Congressman Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
Postal Service regulations require the honoree to be deceased for 10 years before issuing a commemorative stamp. Obama’s legislation would request an exception to this rule. The only regular exception made is for presidents, who need to have been deceased for one year. The last time the House made an exception was in 1948 for Moina Michael, an advocate for World War I veterans. Since 1893, only 8 percent of commemorative stamps issued have featured women.