May 8, 2020 4:05 a.m.
Congressman Peter DeFazio led 83 House members in requesting the strongest possible relief for the United States Postal Service in the next round of COVID-19 legislation.
The group sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.
DeFazio said “throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Americans and businesses around the country has depended on a reliable Postal Service”. He said that especially applies to customers in rural areas and seniors who count on six-day and door-to-door service for their mail and prescription medications. DeFazio said unfortunately COVID-19 has threatened the survival of the USPS and “placed its vital services for the millions who rely on it at risk”. He said in any subsequent relief legislation, Congress must assure that the agency has the financial security to continue its operations.
DeFazio acknowledged that reforms to the USPS would be necessary “to ensure its long-term viability”.