This bill expresses the House of Representatives' desire to keep the United States Postal Service (USPS) as an independent entity within the Federal Government, protecting it from privatization. It emphasizes the USPS's importance to the mailing industry, its role in connecting communities, and the potential negative impacts of privatization on prices, services, and infrastructure.
Stephen Lynch
Representative
MA-8
This bill expresses the House of Representatives' view that Congress should act to maintain the United States Postal Service (USPS) as an independent entity within the Federal Government. It emphasizes the USPS's role as a self-sustaining service vital to the economy and national connectivity. The resolution discourages privatization, citing concerns about increased costs, reduced services, and damage to critical infrastructure.
House Resolution Pushes to Keep USPS Public, Protecting Affordable Mail and Jobs
The House is pushing a resolution to keep the United States Postal Service (USPS) as it is—an independent government entity, not a for-profit business. This resolution emphasizes that the USPS shouldn't be privatized, highlighting its role in everything from delivering online orders to providing stable jobs, including for nearly 73,000 veterans.
Staying Connected
The resolution makes it clear that the USPS is a self-funded operation, using revenue from stamps and services, not tax dollars, to keep things running. It serves over 168 million addresses daily, and it's a big deal for the economy. It supports a $1.9 trillion mailing industry that employs over 7.9 million people. Think about your local mail carrier, the packages you get from online shops, or even sending a birthday card to your grandma in a small town—that’s all possible because of the USPS’s commitment to affordable, nationwide service.
Real-World Impact
If the USPS were privatized, the price of stamps and packages would likely shoot up. Service, especially in rural areas, could become less reliable or even disappear. For example, imagine a small business owner in rural Montana who relies on the USPS to ship products affordably. Privatization could mean higher shipping costs for them, potentially putting them at a disadvantage compared to businesses in bigger cities with more delivery options.
Jobs and the Economy
Beyond just delivering mail, the USPS is a major employer, with over 630,000 employees, including a significant number of veterans. The resolution points out that privatizing the USPS could put many of these jobs at risk. It's not just about postal workers; it's about the broader mailing industry, too. Think of the printing companies, the logistics firms, and all the other businesses that depend on the postal service. This resolution is essentially saying, "Let's protect these jobs and keep this critical part of our economy running smoothly."
Challenges and Considerations
While this resolution doesn't create new laws, it's a strong statement from the House about the value of keeping the USPS public. It aligns with existing laws that require universal postal service, ensuring everyone, no matter where they live, has access to affordable mail delivery. The resolution also serves as a reminder of the vital role USPS plays, particularly for those in rural or underserved areas, and for the many veterans it employs. It's a signal to keep things as they are, protecting a service that touches almost every American's life.