Lawmakers in the House urge the United States Postal Service to explain the rationale behind closing contract postal outlets.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced plans to close several Contract Postal Units (CPUs) across the country, prompting concern from several congressional representatives.
Rep. George Whitesides, representing California's district where a CPU in Quartz Hill was abruptly closed with no explanation, has written a letter to the new Postmaster General, David Steiner, seeking answers for the closure. Whitesides, along with Rep. Rick Allen, has also introduced legislation requiring the USPS to provide reports on the impact of CPU closures and allow for public hearings before any closure.
The proposed bill, known as the Contract Postal Unit Transparency Act, would also require the USPS to publicly report on the impact of closures and ensure continued access to postal services in affected areas.
Whitesides, along with other representatives, is concerned about the burden on elderly residents and those with limited mobility due to the closure. He also cites potential increased costs, longer travel distances for residents, and potential strain on customer service operations at nearby post offices.
Similar shutdowns are scheduled for CPUs in Salem, Oregon, and Cincinnati. In Cincinnati, the owner of an Ace Hardware store has stated that the Postal Service provided no data showing that other post offices could fully serve his community.
In June, the USPS notified Pony Express, Delta Sonic, and Kraus Department Store in Erie, Pennsylvania, that their contracts will be terminated. A CPU located in Tacoma, Washington, has mounted a petition drive to stop the closure.
Post office officials claim the changes are being made to save money because nearby postal facilities can serve the communities. However, Whitesides and Allen argue that the USPS has consistently ignored requests for hard data and explanations for closing CPUs in their districts.
Reps. Frank Mrvan, D-Indiana, and Andrea Salinas, D-Oregon, have co-sponsored the bill. If passed, the Act would ensure that the public is informed about the reasons for CPU closures and have a chance to voice their concerns.
Under the current rules, no CPU can be closed six months after a summary of the hearing is published. The Postal Service would need to submit a report to Congress detailing the reasons for closing or consolidating specific CPUs and hold public hearings on each planned closure.
As the USPS moves forward with its plans, it remains to be seen whether the proposed legislation will pass and bring more transparency to the process. For now, affected communities are left waiting for answers and solutions.
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