U.S. PIRG calls on Congress to fund the U.S. Postal Service

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Joe Ready

USPS is a critical part of our nation’s infrastructure, especially during COVID-19

U.S. PIRG

 WASHINGTON – The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on many sectors of our society, including the United States Postal Service (USPS). With a significant decline in mail volume due to the virus, the agency is in danger of insolvency. 

U.S. PIRG is calling on Congress to act immediately to keep the postal service open and serving the American public. Specifically, it must include the financial relief USPS needs as part of the fourth COVID-19 relief package.

U.S. PIRG’s Democracy for the People campaign director Joe Ready released the following statement:

“What the USPS is facing is no different than the airlines, hotel, restaurant and other industries: financial hardship due to coronavirus. What’s different is that USPS hasn’t yet gotten relief from the federal government. It’s common sense that a critical service like the Postal Service should also receive support.

“Since our nation’s founding, the Postal Service has been a critical part of our national infrastructure. For many Americans, particularly those in rural and remote locations, as well as the elderly and less mobile, USPS is a lifeline to the rest of the world.  

“In a time of social distancing, the USPS and mail service are more critical than ever. We’re now relying on the mail for lots of essential activities — whether it’s safely casting our ballot, receiving much-needed stimulus funds, or receiving critical packages containing everything from prescription drugs to food supplies. 

“I can’t think of a worse time — during a pandemic — to consider severing that connection. As part of the next pandemic relief package, Congress must treat the U.S. Postal Service like the vital public service it is and provide it with the necessary funding to continue operations.”

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