Press Releases

Davis Supports Additional Federal Assistance for the United States Postal Service

$25 billion appropriation, opposition to privatization, flexibility in funding future retirement benefits among USPS legislative changes supported by Davis

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Taylorville, IL, August 18, 2020 | comments

Ahead of legislative action in the U.S. House of Representatives on the United States Postal Service (USPS), U.S. Representative Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) is reiterating his support for the men and women of the USPS and giving them the resources they need to do their jobs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“Letter carriers, local postmasters, and other USPS employees do not get enough credit for the job they do under difficult circumstances, especially during this pandemic,” said Rep. Davis. “There’s more the federal government can do to support the employees and bolster the services of the USPS, including providing them additional funding, improving their cash flow, and maintaining postal services, particularly for rural areas. We need to do everything we can to make sure employees of the USPS have all the resources they need to do their jobs.”

 

Rep. Davis has been a strong supporter of additional federal assistance for the USPS. Back in early May, Rodney co-signed a letter sent to Republican leaders urging them to support the USPS in negotiations over COVID-19 relief legislation. The letter requested:

 

  • A “public service” appropriation of at least $25 billion to the Postal Service to alleviate some of the strain caused by the pandemic. 
  • An authorization for a continued “public service” appropriation for the difference between USPS revenue and expenses for the duration of this public health crisis. 
  • A mechanism to reimburse the Postal Service for any COVID-19 related leave pay provided by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (P.L. 116-127). 
  • Ensure equal treatment for postal employees in any legislation that authorizes, and funds hazard pay for other front-line workers exposed to health risks related to the COVID-19 virus. Such legislation should cover postal workers, who face heightened exposure risks to the virus on a daily basis.

 

The letter closed by stating: “Millions of Americans depend on the Postal Service throughout their daily lives but especially during the coronavirus pandemic USPS is serving an important role. Any interruption to service could be detrimental not only to USPS but also to our constituents across the country.”

 

Additionally, Davis has co-sponsored legislation to provide additional support to the USPS:

 

Co-lead:

H. Res. 33 – expresses a sense of congress that the USPS should remain an independent entity of the US government and NOT be subject to privatization

                

Co-sponsor:

H.R. 2382, the USPS Fairness Act – repeals the mandate that USPS has to prefund future retirement health benefits. Passed House in February

 

H. Res. 23 – door delivery for residential and businesses

 

H. Res. 54 – USPS should maintain their 6-day delivery schedule 

 

H. Res. 60 – Service Standards – USPS should maintain the service standards set in 2012  

 

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