Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia has proposed a legislation called the Postmaster General Reform Act, which would require the U.S. Senate to confirm a president’s appointment to the role of postmaster general. Currently, the position is appointed by the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors without confirmation from Congress. Ossoff’s legislation also seeks to impose term limits, allowing postmaster generals to serve a maximum of two five-year terms. The proposed changes come in response to a mail-service breakdown in Georgia, which Ossoff described as a failure of leadership and management.
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has faced criticism from lawmakers across states for his management of the Postal Service, particularly in handling a rush of mail-in ballots ahead of the November election. Georgia lawmakers have particularly blamed operational issues at the postal facility in suburban Atlanta for delivery problems in the state. The Postal Service has consolidated multiple facilities into hubs like the one in Palmetto, Georgia, in an effort to improve efficiency. While similar hubs have been created in other states, Georgia was ranked as the worst-performing state in a Postal Service service performance report for the second quarter of 2024.
Ossoff has been vocal in pressing DeJoy for updates on how he plans to improve the agency’s operations, emphasizing the importance of high-quality postal service as a necessity for citizens. Following the opening of the Palmetto facility, delivery rates initially slowed down in Georgia. Despite improvements, Ossoff has continued to push for better management and operations. During a visit to Palmetto in June, Ossoff called out DeJoy for poor management and highlighted the challenges faced by employees who had to relocate to the new location. He emphasized the need for bipartisan support for the legislation to ensure a more transparent and accountable process for appointing key officials in the federal government.
Addressing concerns about seniors receiving their medication and citizens missing vital notices, Ossoff stressed the importance of reliable postal service for all citizens. He reiterated the need for a robust selection process for the postmaster general to ensure that qualified individuals are appointed to the role. The proposed legislation seeks to provide Congress with more oversight and control over the appointment process, aiming to prevent leadership and management failures like those experienced in Georgia. Ossoff’s efforts to reform the selection process for the postmaster general reflect a broader push for accountability and transparency within the U.S. Postal Service.
The Postmaster General Reform Act proposed by Ossoff aims to bring about significant changes in the appointment process for the postmaster general, including Senate confirmation and term limits. The legislation seeks to address the failures of leadership and management that have led to operational challenges within the Postal Service, particularly in Georgia. By requiring a more rigorous selection process for the postmaster general, Ossoff hopes to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the agency, ensuring that vital services like medication delivery and court notices are not compromised. The proposed reforms underscore the need for strong oversight and accountability in the federal government to ensure the provision of essential services to all citizens.
