Congressional Support Grows for Prompt, Reliable Mail

The bipartisan coalition of lawmakers saying “No” to delayed mail is growing by the day.  Since the end of January, 46 members of the U.S. House of Representatives have signed on as co-sponsors of House Resolution 54 (H.Res.54).  The resolution, introduced by Rep. David McKinley (R-WV) and Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY), calls on the Postal Service to “take all appropriate measures to restore service standards in effect as of July 1, 2012.” 

This non-binding measure is in direct response to the Postal Service’s decision to lower service standards and slow mail delivery, effective Jan. 5.

This mail slowdown enables the closure or consolidation of 82 mail processing facilities, threatens up to 15,000 jobs, and paves the way for postal privatization.  Restoring mail service standards to their 2012 levels would ensure the prompt, reliable service on which individuals and businesses rely.

While the ranks of congressional allies continue to grow, much work remains to be done.  Nearly 400 representatives still need to be educated on the dangers of delayed mail and asked to co-sponsor H.Res. 54.  “The future of our public Postal Service is threatened by these severe cuts in service,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. “We must reverse them.”

“Congress needs to hear from us,” said APWU Legislative and Political Director John Marcotte. “Place a phone call, schedule a meeting, or send a letter. We’re asking APWU activists to join together for collective action with their locals, states, and retiree chapters in support of this commonsense measure.”  With tremendous APWU outreach last year, 178 House members and a bipartisan majority of senators endorsed a similar effort to prevent cuts in service and the closure of mail processing facilities.

To find your representative’s phone number and to see if he or she is already a co-sponsor, please click here.

To send an individual message letter or email to your representative in support of H.Res. 54, please click here.

The APWU has prepared a one-page H.Res. 54 fact sheet for locals, states, and retiree chapters to take with them to congressional meetings and share with members of Congress and their staff.  Click here to download the fact sheet.