As we enter the October/November election phase of this year, Members of Congress have returned to their home districts to campaign for reelection. Prior to leaving Capitol Hill, they passed a stopgap spending measure to fund the government until they return after the election. Some additional items were included in the funding measure, although the measure avoids controversial provisions such as addressing the U.S. Postal Service’s plan to close 82 facilities nationwide in 2015.
There remains some possibility of postal reform passing in the lame duck session of Congress, after the elections. However, that is increasingly unlikely, as legislators will look at international issues overseas to consume much of the post-election calendar. If that does not occur, we will work with staff to ensure that postal lessor-friendly options are included in any new bills introduced in the new Congress.
On a brighter note, a majority of Senators and 160 House Representatives wrote to their respective appropriations committees asking that any spending bill delay closures for one year. The House has also introduced House Resolution 711 “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Postal Service should take all appropriate measures to ensure the continuation of door delivery for all business and residential customers.” We are proud to note that Congressman David Jolly, one of our featured speakers at this year’s annual convention, is a co-sponsor of that measure. His understanding of this important issue is no doubt partially due to the conversations Congressman Jolly had with AUSPL members at the conference.
As always, we remain actively engaged with staff to ensure that when postal issues arise in the Congress we are there to advocate for the lessor community.