Golden Votes to Improve Mail Delivery and Reliability, Strengthen Postal Service

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) voted to pass bipartisan legislation yesterday to improve service and reliability at the United States Postal Service. The Postal Service Reform Act of 2021 is estimated to save the USPS $27 billion over ten years, improve delivery times by requiring the Postal Service to deliver at least six days per week, and make a series of other reforms designed to improve delivery time and reliability.

"Reliable and affordable mail service is important for everyone," said Golden. "People across our state rely on their local mail carrier to bring them medications, supplies, information, and word from family and friends. This bipartisan bill will help to improve delivery speed and reliability."

The Postal Service has faced increasing financial difficulties over the last several years, much of which has been attributed to the requirement — unique to the agency — that the Postal Service pre-fund the retiree health benefits of all their employees far in advance of their retirements. The Postal Service Reform Act of 2021 would require future retirees to enroll in Medicare, a move that is projected to save the Postal Service $22.6 billion over 10 years. The bill also includes a number of provisions aimed at improving efficiency and reliability, including adjustments to mail transportation, publishing data on delivery performance, and oversight.

In June 2020, Golden called on congressional leaders to take action to protect rural Mainers' access to delivery of essential goods and services by providing $25 billion in aid to the U.S. Postal Service. Several months later, Golden introduced bipartisan legislation to provide that emergency funding for the Postal Service.

A copy of the bill can be found here.

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