Senators Hassan, Shaheen Introduce Resolution Defending Postal Service, Urging More Funding to Offset COVID-19 Losses

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen joined colleagues in introducing a resolution about the importance of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and urging increased funding in the next COVID-19 relief package to help it offset losses incurred due to the pandemic. The resolution also makes clear that the USPS should not be forced to reduce its services, close post office facilities, or excessively raise rates. The resolution was led by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) as well as Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Gary Peters (D-MI).

“The U.S. Postal Service has always played a vital role in the Granite State, particularly in more rural communities where many people rely on receiving medications, business supplies, and other essential goods by mail. Now with the COVID-19 pandemic and many older Americans or those with underlying health conditions continuing to stay home, the Postal Service is more important than ever,” said Senator Hassan. “I am glad to join with my colleagues to reinforce how critical the Postal Service is to our country. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell needs to come to the table and work with us on an additional COVID-19 relief package, and that legislation should include sufficient funding for the Postal Service.”

“The USPS provides an essential service to millions of Americans, who rely on the agency each day to receive their prescription medications, buy and sell items, stay in touch with their loved ones during a time of social distancing, vote and so much more,” said Senator Shaheen. “The USPS has never been more important, but because of revenue losses and other challenges, its future is in jeopardy. Congress must support the USPS in any upcoming COVID-19 relief package so that it can continue to serve the American people as it has always done.”

As a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which has oversight jurisdiction of the U.S. Postal Service, Senator Hassan has focused on supporting the Postal Service and strengthening its service to Granite State communities. During a recent hearing to consider Postal Board of Governors nominees, Senator Hassan highlighted the critical role that the Postal Service plays in delivering vital supplies to households in New Hampshire and across the country, especially for those in rural communities and who experience mobility issues. Senators Shaheen and Hassan, along with Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01), also recently called on Congressional leadership to include relief for the U.S. Postal Service in future COVID-19 relief legislation. Senator Shaheen also sent a letter with her colleagues to Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin, urging him to reject politically motivated conditions on financial relief for the Postal Service, including privatization.

Read the Senators’ resolution here.

###