PRESS RELEASE: Representative Courtney's ZIP Code Reform for Scotland Clears Key U.S. House Vote

May 23, 2025

NORWICH, CT ­– This week, the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform overwhelmingly approved a bipartisan package (H.R. 672) which included Rep. Joe Courtney’s (CT-02) provision to mandate a single zip-code for the town of Scotland, Connecticut.

Scotland has 600-plus residencies, but six zip-codes, leading to misplaced packages, difficulty requesting mail-in ballots, and uncertainty about where to send students to school. 

“Delivery of Social Security notices, checks, Medicare information, prescription medications, bank and employer communications, and absentee ballot applications is disrupted day in and day out. Town leaders and my office have worked for years, alongside Senator Chris Murphy, to fix this ridiculous, almost Monty Python-esque absurdity. Last Congress, we got our bill through the House, but with only a few months of lead time, the bill ran out of calendar days in the Senate for consideration. This time, we’ve got an 18-month runway to get it done. This week’s action by a key committee is a critical step toward finally securing a unique ZIP code for the 600 homes in Scotland,” said Courtney.

“Town of Scotland is very happy with the effort that Congressman Courtney is putting into solving this problem for our residents. I am hopeful that this bill makes it across the finish line very soon,” said Scotland First Selectman Dana Barrows.

Last Congress, Rep. Courtney and Sen. Murphy joined forces to introduce a bicameral bill to fix the zip-code problem. The House passed their measure, but it was not taken up in the Senate. Rep. Courtney is working to advance this measure through the Congress once again and send it to the President’s desk for signature.