WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Tuesday, Representatives David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and 24 Members of Congress announced they sent a letter to Republican leaders in the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as the Trump Administration, urging them to address the needs of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) in the next COVID-19 relief package.
Over the past decade, declining mail volume has caused the USPS to lose money and put it in a precarious financial situation. With the pandemic, mail volume has declined even further. Recently, the Postmaster General announced that with current projections the USPS will be insolvent before the end of September.
“The USPS plays an essential role in keeping people connected and ensuring customers receive vital goods like medicine. During my time serving in Congress, I have consistently protected the mission of the USPS and supported its workers. I will continue to support postal workers and ensure the service many West Virginians count on continues especially during this crisis,” said Rep. McKinley.
In the letter, the Members emphasized that millions of Americans depend on the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Any interruption to service could be detrimental not only to USPS but also to our constituents across the country.
Representatives David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) were joined in the letter by Reps. Don Young (R-AK), Fred Upton (R-MI), Peter King (R-NY), Mike Bost (R-IL), Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ), John Katko (R-NY), Don Bacon (R-NE), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Susan W. Brooks (R-IL), Tom Cole (R-OK), John Shimkus (R-IL), Michael T. McCaul (R-TX), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Paul Cook (R-CA), Tom Reed (R-NY), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Steve Stivers (R-OH), David P. Joyce (R-OH), Jamie Herrera Beutler (R-WA), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Mike Turner (R-OH) and Will Hurd (R-TX).
Background
During McKinley’s time in Congress, he has consistently protected the mission of the United States Postal Service and its workers, including introducing or co-sponsoring legislation to support 6-day delivery, reinstating postal standards of delivery, voting for the USPS Fairness Act, and relieving the USPS of burdensome requirements to pre-fund future employees’ pensions and health care.
In 2019, McKinley sponsored the Postal Employees Appeal Rights Amendments Act (H.R. 597) and the Postal Service Financial Improvement Act of 2019 (H.R. 2553).
Postal Employees Appeal Rights Amendments Act:
Extends MSPB appeal rights over adverse personnel actions to any Postal Service employee who is a non-bargaining unit career and non-career employee in a supervisory, professional, technical, clerical, administrative, or managerial position covered by the Executive and Administrative Schedule; and has completed 1 year of current continuous service in the same or similar positions.
Postal Service Financial Improvement Act:
To provide for certain index fund investments from the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund, and for other purposes.