WASHINGTON — The head of the U.S. Postal Service answered questions publicly for the first time Friday about the controversial operational changes and cuts during a Republican-led Senate committee hearing.
“The Postal Service is fully capable and committed to delivering the nation’s election mail securely and on time,” Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said.
Lawmakers from both parties questioned DeJoy about delays.
“I’ve received over 7,500 complaints,” Sen. Gary Peters (D-Michigan) said.
“A 70-year-old, served in Vietnam. Has COPD,” Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) said. “The inhaler refill was mailed through the Postal Service. Due to delays, he ran out of it while waiting for it to arrive.”
DeJoy defended the operational changes and cost-cutting measures.
He said the agency is expected to report a loss of more than $9 billion this year.
DeJoy fired back against concerns that the changes are an effort to sabotage the mail-in voting process.
“Trying to have any negative impact on the election is an outrageous claim,” DeJoy said.
Democrats pressed DeJoy on the impact to services.
DeJoy has said the changes won’t go into effect until after the election.
“Will you ensure that any further changes you make to postal operations do not delay access to medications and other necessities? Yes or No,” Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-New Hampshire) asked.
“Yes, Senator,” DeJoy responded.
Republicans accused Democrats of attacking the Postal Service for political gain and defended the operational changes.
“I think they should be commended, not condemned,” Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin) said.
DeJoy called for Congress to pass legislation giving the Postal Service financial relief from the coronavirus pandemic.
DeJoy will be facing more questions Monday from a Democratic-led House committee.
Cox Media Group
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