March 22, 2024 — Representatives from the offices of Representatives Tim Burchett (TN-2), Raja Krishnamoorthy (IL-8), Nick LaLota (NY-1), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Pete Sessions TX-17) met with AUSPL Board members during their trip to Washington, DC March 19 and 20, 2024. Additional meetings with Senators Gary Peters (MI), Mike Crapo (ID) Stephen Lynch (MA) and Representative Gerald Connolly (VA-11) rounded out the trip to DC.
A private lunch with Representative Connolly of Virginia gave the group time for in-depth discussions of issues important to postal lessors. Topics included the new Sorting and Distribution Centers, how those will work, and the resultant effects on the facilities losing carrier routes. This topic recurred in several of the meetings. Additionally, discussions reflected Congress’ interest in the USPS changing service standards concurrent with rate increases.
Congress has been at work writing bills that address postal service issues. The Easy Access to Mail Bill seeks to establish rules and procedures for residential centralized delivery often in the form of cluster boxes. Rep. Burchett of Tennessee’s 2nd District introduced this bill, HR 3476.
The Mobil Post Office Relief Act, HR 6575 requires the Postal Service to use a mobile retail unit to provide retail postal services to an area when the local post office is temporarily unable to provide service for 60+ days. Rep. Nick LaLota of New York’s 1st District introduced this bil
Senator Crapo of Idaho introduced Senate Bill 3515, MAILS Act. This bill addresses two issues. The first directs the US Postal Service to establish a formal process whereby a local government official can request a new post office in their jurisdiction. The second issue addresses communication regarding post office relocations. The bill would require the Postal Service to solicit community input when relocating a post office. In addition, the bill would require the USPS to communicate with both the local community and the appropriate US legislators when temporary relocations last over 180 days.