Sen. Carper Reacts to Postmaster General’s Announcement on Further Cost-Cutting Measures

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), chairman of the subcommittee that oversees the U.S. Postal Service, released the following statement reacting to the Postmaster General’s announcement that the Postal Service will begin to implement new cost-cutting measures:

“Given the U.S. Postal Service’s dire financial situation, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Postmaster General is moving forward to implement additional cost-cutting measures with the limited tools at his disposal.  I look forward to reviewing the details of the Postmaster General’s new proposals.  Unfortunately, the reality is that these piecemeal efforts undertaken by the Postal Service are likely not enough on their own to fundamentally fix the Postal Service’s serious financial problems.  Only comprehensive reform of the Postal Service that takes into account its long-term needs can address the severe financial problems that continue to plague this American institution.  That significant, but necessary, reform can only come from Congress and the Administration, and it must include restructuring the Postal Service’s network and business model to reflect the changing demand for the products and services it offers.  Without action by Congress and the Administration, the Postal Service — and the trillion dollar mailing industry that it supports along with over 8 million jobs — is at risk for failure later this year. We can’t continue to allow the Postal Service to flounder. I remain committed to working with my colleagues in both the House and the Senate to provide the Postal Service with the tools and resources it needs to reform itself so that it can survive and thrive in the 21st century.”