Lawmakers Push for Answers From the Postal Board of Governors

A bipartisan group of lawmakers, under the leadership of Congressman Gerry Connolly, is advocating for the U.S. Postal Service to tackle pressing security concerns.

At a Glance

Security issues within USPS operations prompt a bipartisan action push.
Mail, facility, and employee safety are the key areas of concern.
Inspector General reports highlight operational oversights.
The lawmakers aim to ensure safety and compliance.

Identifying Security Concerns

Congressman Gerry Connolly leads an initiative addressing the U.S. Postal Service’s deficiencies, supported by a bipartisan team. The push follows concerns about mail security, employee safety, and public safety within postal facilities. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed urgency over these lapses, citing reports from the USPS Office of Inspector General.

Key areas of concern include access control within postal facilities, the safety of contract trucking operations, and potential federal wage law violations. The bipartisan letter to the Postal Board of Governors highlights these issues and requests answers to specific questions regarding current governance and oversight.

Connolly Leads Bipartisan Letter to Postal Board of Governors Urging Action to Ensure Safe and Secure Postal Operations https://t.co/yu8kSUcKsX #usps

— Postaltimes.com (@postaltimes) October 4, 2024

Advocating for Answers

Lawmakers have submitted detailed inquiries to the Postal Board of Governors, questioning driver safety records, security protocols, and compliance with federal standards. The aim is to enhance safety measures both for USPS employees and the general public. Emphasizing the urgency, the letter demands immediate action and accountability from USPS leadership.

“The Board of Governors is responsible for overseeing the operations of the USPS, setting the strategic direction of the USPS, approving important and significant USPS policies, and holding USPS leadership accountable to upholding the mission of one of our nation’s most prized assets,” the Members said.

Compliance with the Service Contract Act is another focal point. Legislators are probing into the USPS’s ability to track contractor-related incidents and examine driver information diligently. These measures are intended to prevent future lapses and ensure USPS operations remain uncompromised.

Reforming Financial Structures

The Postal Service Reform Act, signed into law back in 2022, proposed significant financial overhauls. The Act aimed to stabilize the USPS financially, which has been listed on the Government Accountability Office’s high-risk list since 2009.

Measures include mandating that Postal employees enroll in Medicare, saving an estimated $36 billion over ten years. It also removes the outdated requirement that the Postal Service pre-fund retiree health benefits, a factor contributing to its financial woes. By codifying six-day mail delivery, the Act safeguards vital postal services for rural and other underserved communities.