Sens. Booker, Schumer, Peters Introduce Resolution Defending USPS, Urging More Funding to Offset COVID-19 Losses

The USPS provides vital services for millions of Americans, but currently lacks the funding needed to stay afloat 

WASHINGTON, D.C – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced a resolution outlining the importance of the U.S. Postal Service and urging increased funding in the next COVID-19 relief package to help the key agency 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 U.S. Postal Service plays a vital role for millions of Americans who depend on the agency to receive everything from lifesaving medication to election ballots to social security benefits,” said Senator Booker. “The COVID-19 pandemic has only increased our reliance on these critical services. Unfortunately, without additional resources, the long-term sustainability of the Postal Service is in jeopardy. Congress must prioritize funding for the USPS in the next coronavirus relief package.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has made the U.S. Postal Service more essential than ever, with Americans across the country, particularly vulnerable populations like the sick and the elderly, relying on their services for packages and letters as well as ballots and medications,” said Leader Schumer. “That’s why Senate Democrats are proposing crucial funding to ensure we don’t lose out on these critical services just when we need it most. Our Republican colleagues must join us in shoring up this vital agency.”

“The Postal Service is a critical lifeline for seniors, small businesses, and rural communities across America who rely on postal workers to deliver their prescriptions, connect with their customers, and more, no matter where they live,” said Senator Gary Peters, Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “Like many other organizations, the Coronavirus pandemic has dealt a serious financial blow to this critical agency. Without additional funding, we risk ripping this longstanding service away from millions who depend on it each and every day.”

The Resolution notes that the U.S. Postal Service employs more than 630,000 people, including 97,000 military veterans.

In addition to Senators Booker (D-NJ), Schumer (D-NY), and Peters (D-MI), the resolution is cosponsored by Blumenthal (D-CT), Whitehouse (D-RI), Carper (D-DE), Gillibrand (D-NY), Jones (D-AL), Coons (D-DE), Reed (D-RI), Baldwin (D-WI), Sanders (D-VT), Smith (D-MN), Menendez (D-NJ), Rosen (D-NV), Bennet (D-CO), Udall (D-NM), Feinstein (D-CA), Harris (D-CA), Merkley (D-OR), King (D-ME), Sinema (D-AZ), Markey (D-MA), Murray (D-WA), Tester (D-MT), Durbin (D-IL), Murphy (D-CT), Hirono (D-HI), Manchin (D-WV), Cardin (D-MD), Stabenow (D-MI), Klobuchar (D-MN), Brown (D-OH), Duckworth (D-IL), Warren (D-MA), Van Hollen (D-MD), Wyden (D-OR), Cantwell (D-WA), Hassan (D-NH), Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Shaheen (D-NH), Heinrich (D-NM), and Schatz (D-HI)

In April, Booker led more than a dozen of his colleagues in urging Senate leaders to provide full funding for the USPS in the third coronavirus relief package.

Full text of the resolution can be found here.