The U.S. Postal Service has had its fair share of gripes with Congress over the last several years.
From burdening it with required payment to prefund future retirees’ health benefits to blocking the closure of post offices and facilities to failing to pass comprehensive reform, postal management and lawmakers have often been at odds.
Congress has potentially found a new way to constrict USPS: hamstring the agency by taking away its ability to make any major decisions whatsoever.
In addition to the postmaster general and his deputy, any significant proposal affecting postal operations must be cleared by the agency’s board of governors. Of the nine presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed positions, only four are currently filled.