U.S. Reps. Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) and Elise Stefanik (R-NY) introduced a bipartisan bill last week that would authorize COVID-19 pandemic relief funding for the United States Postal Service (USPS).
“The United States Postal Service plays a vital role in the lives of all Americans. Like all other aspects of our daily lives, the USPS has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Gonzalez. “This bipartisan legislation has strong support in the U.S. Senate and strikes the right balance of additional funding for the USPS while recognizing that the Postal Service has underlying financial challenges.”
“I am proud to work in a bipartisan manner to introduce this legislation along with my colleagues and offer a real solution to the immediate issues facing USPS,” Rep. Stefanik said. “I look forward to working with my House colleagues to further this legislation.”
On Aug. 28, Rep. Gonzalez introduced the Postal Service Emergency Assistance Act, H.R. 8123, with cosponsors Rep. Stefanik and U.S. Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) to provide emergency appropriations to USPS to cover losses related to the pandemic and to direct the USPS Board of Governors to develop a plan for ensuring the long-term solvency of the Postal Service, according to the congressional record bill summary.
U.S. Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) on July 2 sponsored the same-named companion bill, S. 4174.
“In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever that we come together across the aisle to solve problems,” said Rep. Gonzalez. “I thank Senator Collins for her leadership on this important issue and my colleagues for working with me to push this legislation forward in the House of Representatives.”
“The USPS is a critical component of our North Country infrastructure, especially in our more rural areas,” added Rep. Stefanik, referring to her New York congressional district. “I understand firsthand the importance of this service and have met with many Postal Service employees during my time in office.”
The bill has gained support from numerous organizations and groups, including the American Postal Workers Union, the Coalition for a 21st Century Postal Service, the National Association of Postal Supervisors, the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, and the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, among others.