The United States Postal Service is a vital public institution enshrined in the Constitution. Its mandate to provide universal service to every address in the nation is crucial for ensuring equitable access to communication and commerce, especially in rural and underserved communities. However, the USPS faces artificial barriers that hinder its success and ability to best serve the American people. We urge Congress to take decisive action to remove these unnecessary constraints. First, Congress should address the misallocation of pension liabilities that has cost the Postal Service billions of dollars over the past decade. Second, reforms should be implemented to optimize the investment strategy for the USPS Retiree Health Benefits Fund, unlocking substantial additional returns. Furthermore, the Postal Service's ability to adapt and generate new revenue streams must be enabled. Congress should pass legislation allowing the USPS to offer services like postal banking, hunting/fishing licenses, and public WiFi hotspots. These measures would provide much-needed income while meeting important community needs. Crucially, Congress must also safeguard and strengthen the Postal Service's role in facilitating secure, accessible mail-in voting for all Americans. Voting by mail is a cornerstone of our democracy, and the USPS's impartial, non-partisan operation in delivering ballots must be vigorously protected. The Postal Service is not a private business, but a public service mandated to serve every citizen, regardless of location or demographics. Its employees are the eyes and ears of our neighborhoods. We call on Congress to embrace this treasured institution, remove roadblocks to its success, and enable it to evolve to meet 21st century needs while upholding its universal service obligation.
First sent on March 25 by Coleman
