Patrick Donahoe, postmaster general and CEO of the United States Postal Service, said that it is “absolutely necessary” to end Saturday mail delivery as part of an effort to “stabilize” the USPS’s troubled finances, Fox News reported on Feb. 6.
At a press conference, Donahoe said, “Making this change to our delivery schedule is a big-ticket item. It would be irresponsible for the Postal Service not to pursue this course.”
The proposal would take effect in August, and reportedly would save the United States Postal Service approximately $2 billion. The proposal still needs congressional approval. Congress, which has been the overseer of the otherwise independent agency for the past 30 years, has a provision insisting on Saturday delivery.
Fredric Rolando, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers, said that the move ‘flouts the will of Congress.”
“Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe’s plan to end Saturday delivery is a disastrous idea that would have a profoundly negative effect on the Postal Service and on millions of customers.”
Those most “profoundly affected” by the elimination of USPS delivery includes small businesses, rural communities, the elderly, the disabled and others who depend on Saturday delivery for commerce and communication.
Donahoe noted that the law governing the U.S. Postal Service operations expires at the end of March, and said that if there is any disagreement it can be resolved by then.
Two senators support the USPS cost-cutting measures. Sen. Darrell Issa, R-Calif. and Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Ok. Both call the move a “common-sense reform” that would save money.
The United States Postal is an independent agency and does not receive any tax dollars for its day-to-day operations, but the USPS is still subject to congressional control.
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