Postal Service on the Brink: Can Congress Save the Day?

POSTAL SERVICE ON THE BRINK: CAN CONGRESS SAVE THE DAY?

Today, NALC President Brian L. Renfroe testified before the House Subcommittee on Government Operations, and the stakes couldn't be higher. The future of the Postal Service hangs in the balance, and the American public is watching closely. Renfroe's testimony was a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for action to protect our postal workers and ensure the financial stability of the USPS.

PROTECTING OUR HEROES

Renfroe began his remarks by honoring Jacob Taylor, a letter carrier from Lone Star Branch 132 in Dallas, TX, who tragically died on the job last week. This is a stark reminder of the dangers our postal workers face every day. Renfroe emphasized that if Congress wants to help the Postal Service, they must do everything possible to protect letter carriers and all postal employees. This is not just about financial stability; it's about the safety and well-being of the people who deliver our mail and packages.

FINANCIAL CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

The hearing focused on the future of the Postal Service, and Renfroe didn't mince words. He called for proper calculation of the Postal Service’s pension liabilities and allowing USPS to invest its retiree health benefit funds more responsibly. These are critical steps to ensure the financial health of the USPS. Renfroe also highlighted the need for modernization, stating that "modernization is long overdue. One of the primary challenges of such a transformation is maintaining and improving service as a massive network is modified."

THE DELIVERING FOR AMERICA PLAN

The Delivering for America plan is a comprehensive strategy to reduce costs, increase revenues, and improve operational performance. But it's not enough. Renfroe emphasized the need for Congress and the administration to address Postal Service finances and implement necessary financial changes. This includes allowing USPS to invest its retiree health benefit funds more responsibly and properly calculating the Postal Service’s pension liabilities.

PRIVATIZATION: THE BOGEYMAN

The hearing also touched on the potential impacts of privatization. Renfroe made it clear that any effort to privatize the Postal Service would "erode the universal service obligation" Americans depend on. This is a non-starter. The Postal Service is not a business; it is enshrined in the constitution and has a congressionally-mandated obligation to serve the people by delivering to all 169 million addresses, urban or rural, six days a week.

THE FUTURE OF THE POSTAL SERVICE

The hearing was particularly relevant as the incoming postmaster general, David Steiner, is set to lead the agency in a few weeks. His leadership comes with many uncertainties, but one thing is clear: the Postal Service must remain an independent, non-taxpayer-funded, non-partisan agency. This is key to fulfilling its universal service obligation that no other private shipper does, could, or would fulfill.

THE TAKEAWAY

The future of the Postal Service is in the hands of Congress and the administration. They must act now to protect our postal workers, implement necessary financial changes, and guarantee the Postal Service remains an independent, non-taxpayer-funded public service. The American public is counting on them to get this right. So, Congress, the ball is in your court. Don't drop it!