Yesterday, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), joined by Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN-06) and Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), wrote to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to understand actions being taken to remedy the mail delivery disruptions occurring across Minnesota.
“During the past weeks, I have heard from constituents from all around the Northland about major disruptions in mail delivery,” said Congressman Stauber. “The policies of this Administration have led to staffing shortages nationwide, and the Postal Service is yet another industry suffering the consequences. In some areas, people haven’t received mail in three weeks. This is completely unacceptable. This couldn’t have come at a worse time as I know how much rural Minnesotans depend on the USPS to send Christmas cards and packages as well as pay their bills, receive their social security checks, get their medications, and operate their businesses. That’s why my colleagues and I are requesting information from USPS leadership about how they are working to fix the current delays and prevent them in the future.”
“The USPS provides an essential service, especially to those in the First District who live in rural areas,” said Congressman Finstad. “Even minimal disruption in mail delivery can have a significant impact on our businesses and livelihood, so to learn that some areas of the state have had mail delivery delayed for days – even weeks – is unacceptable. I am joining my colleagues in seeking accountability from the USPS, requesting that they quickly address the problem, and work to apply solutions that will restore continuous, reliable mail delivery for all Minnesotans.”
“Minnesotans depend on reliable mail delivery from the United States Postal Service to pay their bills, operate their businesses and access their medications,” said Majority Whip Emmer. “Interrupted or delayed service is unacceptable and can harm Minnesotans’ health and livelihoods. The ongoing staffing shortfalls continue to contribute to these delays and the day-to-day capabilities of the USPS. Today, we joined our Minnesota Republican colleagues to ask for transparency, accountability and a plan from the USPS as they address their staffing shortage and delivery delays across our state.”
“Every American should be able to rely on the U.S. Postal Service,” said Rep. Fischbach. “I sincerely hope Postmaster General DeJoy takes this letter seriously and will take swift action to decrease the mail backlog and prioritize hiring, training, and retaining quality postal workers in our rural communities.”
Full text of the letter can be found here.