Republican lawmakers are calling for the Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to “improve service immediately” and “restore status quo operations” in areas where his cost-cutting measures have led to delays in mail delivery. A group of 26 senators, including 13 Republicans, expressed concern that DeJoy’s “Delivering for America” initiative has resulted in critical delays for mail requiring overnight delivery, potentially affecting important items like medications and laboratory tests. There is also skepticism from the senators that DeJoy’s plan will improve efficiency or save costs, with warnings that local and rural services could be degraded.
DeJoy was urged to pause his plan and request a “comprehensive” advisory opinion from the Postal Regulatory Commission before further changes are implemented. Senators emphasized that the primary responsibility of the Postal Service is to provide timely and reliable delivery to all communities across the nation. Complaints about USPS delays have also been raised in urban areas, with Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff demanding updates on late deliveries in the Atlanta metro area. DeJoy defended his plan, noting that financial self-sustainability and a growth strategy were lacking before he took control, apologizing for the current service conditions, and expressing a commitment to improvement.
While the Republican senators who signed the letter remain publicly silent about DeJoy on social media, some Democrats have voiced additional grievances and called for DeJoy’s accountability. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto criticized DeJoy for failing to address concerns about the USPS proposal to move mail processing to California and called on the Board of Governors to stop the plan and hold DeJoy accountable. Democratic Congressman Marc Pocan highlighted the lack of authority for President Biden to fire DeJoy, as the decision rests with the USPS Board of Governors, urging continued pressure on the Board to replace DeJoy with a competent individual.
DeJoy’s tenure as Postmaster General has faced significant criticism, from allegations of attempting to assist Trump in the 2020 election by suppressing mail-in voting to his slow response to using electric vehicles and the observed slowing of service during his leadership. The criticisms against DeJoy have persisted since he took on the role, reflecting a wider concern among lawmakers and the public regarding the impact of his cost-cutting measures and changes to USPS operations on mail delivery efficiency, particularly in rural and local communities. The call for accountability and oversight in addressing these concerns underscores the importance of ensuring reliable and timely mail delivery services nationwide.
