DeLauro Introduces Legislation to Reinstate Overnight Delivery Standards

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) today introduced the Protect Overnight Delivery Act. The bipartisan legislation would reinstate overnight postal delivery service and prevent the Postal Service (USPS) from operating under the current, weaker delivery standards. The elimination of overnight delivery has already resulted in slower mail delivery for millions of Americans.

“Again and again, members of Congress said to the Postal Service: do not unilaterally eliminate overnight delivery or close postal facilities. The Postmaster General should not preempt Congressional action and, in the absence of a comprehensive bill, Congress should move forward with this legislation. With over 140 facilities already closed, and another 82 set to close in the coming months, Congress must act.

“At a time when millions of Americans are still struggling to pay the bills, it would be particularly inopportune for USPS to close more facilities and cut jobs. More closings would also hurt businesses that depend on overnight mail delivery to reach their customers. Just last month, the Postmaster General stated that current service standards could even delay returned mail and payments to collectors.

“Our postal workers do an extraordinary service for the community and should be treated with the respect and gratitude they have earned.”

The postal processing facility in Wallingford, Connecticut is among those that face closure due to the elimination of overnight delivery standards. Over 500,000 people are employed by the Postal Service in the United States, more than McDonalds, Wal-Mart and Starbucks combined.

DeLauro introduced similar legislation in the 113th Congress. 59 representatives have already signed on as co-sponsors to the Protect Overnight Delivery Act.


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