Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today cosponsored H.R. 6425, legislation to support the United States Postal Service (USPS) during the coronavirus pandemic. USPS, which handles 47% of the world’s mail, has been hard hit by COVID-19 and has seen a serious drop in mail volume. The Protect Our Post Offices Act will provide USPS with $25 billion in emergency appropriations.

“The United States Postal Service has long dedicated itself to deliver no matter ‘snow nor rain nor heat.’ Now USPS has risen to the challenge of continuing this essential service during a pandemic. We owe the USPS’s dedicated workforce a debt of gratitude for showing up to our doorsteps day after day with essential goods amid this public health crisis,” said Pingree. “USPS has seen a decline in revenues as many businesses close operations to slow the spread of coronavirus and is at risk of running out of operating funds. All Americans, particularly those in rural states like Maine, rely on USPS for mail and essential supplies during this time of uncertainty, and Congress must provide aid to ensure of the future of USPS.”

USPS has more than 600,000 career employees, including 100,000 veterans, and 31,000 locations nationwide; however, the Postal Service receives effectively no support from the federal budget. The United States Postmaster General believes USPS will run out of cash by September 30, 2020 without intervention. The Protect Our Post Offices Act would appropriate $25 billion in emergency appropriations for USPS to support workers and post offices.

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