Rep. Pappas’s Statement on Political Attacks Against the Postal Service

Congressman Pappas (NH-01) released the following statement in response to systematic, political attacks on the U.S. Postal Service that are undermining this critical public service that voters, small businesses, veterans, and families depend on:

"The systemic undermining of the U.S. Postal Service by this Administration, less than three months before an Election that will rely on mail delivery, should shock every American regardless of party," said Congressman Chris Pappas. "Three months ago I heard the warnings about funding and voted for additional dollars to protect the Postal Service and support its mission. I look forward to the House convening this week and passing legislation that protects and strengthens this vital public service. I also urge USPS leadership, including the Postmaster General, to comply with Congress's demand to testify about these deeply troubling political attacks and news of delays in service."

"I have every confidence in the men and women of the Postal Service here in New Hampshire and across the country. They do their job and they do it well. But we have to give them the support they need and make sure that there are absolutely no politically-motivated attempts to slow down the mail or undermine the service our families, veterans, small businesses, and voters rely on every day."

Congressman Pappas has consistently voiced strong support for the USPS and has taken a leadership role in strengthening this institution:

Pappas voted in favor of the Heroes Act on May 15th, which would provide an emergency $25 billion appropriation for lost revenue due to COVID-19, ensure that USPS has access to the $10 billion line of credit, give postal and other essential frontline workers the hazard pay they deserve, and make sure that every voter can access no­-excuse absentee vote­-by­-mail in the upcoming election.

Earlier this month, Congressman Pappas sent a letter to the USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue and Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand expressing his grave concerns about the impact of the U.S. Postal Service's dire financial condition and potential reductions in service on rural communities across the country.

In August, Congressman Pappas joined the New Hampshire delegation to demand answers from Postmaster General Louis DeJoy about changes made to the Postal Service.

In June, Congressman Pappas, Annie Kuster (NH-02), Kendra Horn (OK-05), and Gil Cisneros (CA-39) sent a letter to the Small Business Administrator, Jovita Carranza, to express their concern about the impact that the U.S. Postal Service's grave financial state may have affected small businesses across America. Also in June, Rep. Pappas led a letter to VA Secretary Wilkie to share his concern that any reduction in services or move to privatize the Postal Service will negatively impact both the VA and the millions of veterans.

In April, Pappas joined the NH Congressional delegation to call on House and Senate leadership to include relief for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) in future COVID-19 relief legislation. The effort came as the USPS faces mounting debts that have been compounded by the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.