The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) says a new bill passed by the House of Representatives, designed to block controversial operational changes from going into effect, could hinder the agency’s efficiency.
In a statement on Sunday, USPS said, “The U.S. Postal Service greatly appreciates the efforts of the House of Representatives to assist us. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress on more meaningful reform that will ensure our long-term health, and we remain a vital part of our nation’s critical infrastructure.”
“We are concerned that some of the requirements of the Bill, while well meaning, will constrain the ability of the Postal Service to make operational changes that will improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ultimately improve service to the American people,” the statement added.
The statement comes a day after the House passed a bill by a 257-150 vote that would block the operational changes from going into effect and provide the cash-strapped agency with $25 billion in funding.
Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), who spearheaded the drafting of the bill, said, “The American people do not want anyone messing with the Post Office. They certainly do not want it to be politicized. They just want their mail, they want their medicines, and they want their mail-in ballots delivered in a timely way.”
“And that is exactly what our bill does,” she added.
The bill is not expected to pass the Republican-controlled Senate. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) declared the bill would “absolutely not pass.”
The bill was developed amid fears that planned operational changes, announced by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, would severely limit the agency’s ability to deliver mail-in ballots ahead of the general election in November.
Congressional Democrats also raised concerns that the changes could lead to delays in the delivery of medication.
However, in testimony before the Senate, DeJoy affirmed the Postal Service’s ability to handle the expected surge in mail-in ballots and his commitment to the Postal Service’s mission.
“As we head into the election season, I want to assure this committee and the American public that the Postal Service is fully capable and committed to delivering the nation’s election mail securely and on-time. This sacred duty is my number one priority between now and Election Day,” he said.
Additionally, DeJoy announced he would suspend the operational changes until after the election to avoid “even the appearance of any impact on election mail.”
