The U.S. Postal Service is barring lawmakers from touring postal facilities ahead of Election day claiming potential violations of the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from engaging in partisan activities, raising suspicions about the agency and its lack of transparency as Congress has intensified scrutiny on the USPS and its role in the November election.
“The Postal Service welcomes visits from members of Congress at our facilities and we routinely arrange for tours. We also take our responsibilities with respect to the Hatch Act very seriously,” Partenheimer said in an email to Forbes, noting that the 45-day ban also applies to other USPS events like post office dedications and events for a stamp’s first day of issue, but does not apply to congressional staff. “We are happy to engage with any members directly to address the concerns they have in lieu of a tour during this 45 day period and routinely hold field level congressional briefings with congressional staff.”
Safety first. You wouldn’t want any visitors tripping over all the mail stacked everywhere and block isles.