Government affairs
Legislative Updates
On Dec. 5, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs held a hearing on oversight of the Postal Service. The hearing focused on the proposed service changes under Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s 10-year strategic plan, the Delivering for America (DFA) plan.
While much of the hearing focused on DFA implementation, Ranking Member Rand Paul (R-KY) focused his opening remarks and questioning on the Postal Service finances and its workforce. He repeatedly argued against converting employees to career status while the agency reports losses. Sen. Paul mentioned that 80 percent of the agency’s costs come from labor and suggested that this cost be lowered through contractors and reduced healthcare and pension benefits.
Chairman Gary Peters (D-MI) also referenced the Postal Service’s financial situation and asked DeJoy his position on an administrative directive to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regarding the allocation of the Postal Service’s obligation to the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) pensions. DeJoy said he is supportive of this administrative action that would improve the Postal Service’s finances.
NALC continues to advocate the administration for this long-awaited reform.
The remaining questions primarily focused on localized service and facility issues, with a few heated moments between DeJoy and Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Josh Hawley (R-MO).
In her questioning, Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) mentioned a New Hampshire letter carrier who was robbed at gunpoint for his postal property. She referenced provisions in the Protect Our Letter Carriers Act (XX/XX) that would devalue key infrastructure and replace it with more secure electronic versions. She asked DeJoy if he was committed to “making common sense investments to improve employee safety and customer service as part of the DFA plan.” He affirmed his commitment.
On Dec. 10, the House Committee on Oversight and Reform is scheduled to hold a hearing on oversight of the Postal Service where DeJoy will testify. Check the “Government Affairs” of nalc.org for any important updates from the hearing.
