Letter to Louis DeJoy, Postmaster General of the United States Postal Service - Connolly, Senior Democrats Request Information on Postal Service's Operational Changes

Letter

Dear Postmaster General DeJoy:

We are writing to request information about operational changes at the U.S. Postal
Service that could have negative impacts on service standards and cause significant delays in
mail delivery. It is vital that the U.S. Postal Service not reduce mail delivery times, which could
harm rural communities, seniors, small businesses, and millions of Americans who rely on mail.
On July 14, 2020, documents were made public that appear to be official Postal Service
memoranda and outline significant changes to Postal Service operations.

The first document, entitled "PMG's Expectations and Plan," details a number of
operational changes that "will be implemented in short order." These changes include
eliminating overtime and restrictions on certain letter carrier activities. The document states, "if
we cannot deliver all mail" as a result of staffing shortages, "the mail will not go out." The
document goes on to state that these measures are aimed at cutting costs and "making the USPS
financially solvent." While we share the goal of ensuring the Postal Service's solvency, the
rhetoric used in the document compares the Postal Service to a private company concerned only
with the bottom line, rather than the constitutionally mandated public service that it is.

The second document, a routine "mandatory stand-up talk" that is reportedly being given
to all employees across the country, details transportation changes being implemented
immediately, including limitations on extra trips to deliver mail. The document states, "One
aspect of these changes that may be difficult for employees is that--temporarily--we may see
mail left behind or mail on the workroom floor or docks." The document states that these
changes are part of an "ongoing pivot, which will have a number of phases" that the Postal
Service will "swiftly implement."

While these changes in a normal year would be drastic, in a presidential election year
when many states are relying heavily on absentee mail-in ballots, increases in mail delivery
timing would impair the ability of ballots to be received and counted in a timely manner--an
unacceptable outcome for a free and fair election.

In addition to the swift nature and negative impacts of these reported changes, the Postal
Service did not consult with any relevant unions, the mailing and package industry, or other
stakeholders before taking these drastic actions. The Postal Service also failed to consult with
relevant Members of Congress who are in ongoing negotiations over additional financial support
and possible reform legislation for the Postal Service.

For these reasons, we request answers to the following questions:

1. Do these documents reflect official Postal Service policy and practice? Please
submit a full explanation of each operational change that will be implemented and
a timeline and justification for each.

2. Do these documents reflect your views and plans as Postmaster General (PMG)?
Was the Postal Service Board of Governors involved in making these decisions,
and if so, how?

3. In its public response to the release of these documents, the Postal Service
referenced the Board's development of a "business plan to ensure that we will be
financially stable and able to continue to provide reliable, affordable, safe and
secure delivery." Developing this long-term solvency plan is the responsibility of
the Senate-confirmed Governors in addition to the Postmaster General. If these
operational changes are part of a long-term solvency plan, why were they made in
advance of the development and release of the plan?

4. What effect will these changes have on the Postal Service's ability to meet
service standards, which measure its ability to deliver mail on time to all
customers?

5. The Board must request that the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) submit an
advisory opinion on any proposed change in the nature of postal services which
will generally affect service on a nationwide basis. Did you seek Board approval
or a PRC advisory opinion for any of these changes? Do you commit to doing so
for any changes that will affect nationwide service?

6. The Postmaster General and the Board must consider a number of factors under
statute, including but not limited to cost, in making operational and policy
changes. What factors did you analyze and consider before making these
changes?

7. What steps will the Postal Service take to ensure that all mail-in ballots in the
Postal Service's possession are postmarked and delivered before local Board of
Elections deadlines to ensure the November election is not negatively impacted?

Please provide the requested information by July 31, 2020.

The Committee on Oversight and Reform has primary legislative and oversight
jurisdiction over the U.S. Postal Service (39 U.S.C. § 101, et seq.) and is the principal oversight
committee of the House of Representatives, with broad authority to investigate "any matter" at
"any time" under House Rule X.

If you have any questions, please contact Committee staff at (202) 225-5051.

Sincerely,

Source