Lucas Statement on United States Postal Service House Legislation

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement today after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8015- the Delivering for America Act. Lucas opposed the legislation.

“There is no question about it, whether you live in rural western Oklahoma or the suburbs of Oklahoma City or Tulsa, the United States Postal Service provides a vital service to Oklahomans. From ensuring vital goods are delivered to the doorsteps of those who call rural America home to playing a critical part in our nation’s democratic process, the USPS has long executed its public service mission of providing prompt, reliable, and efficient postal services to the American people.

“While I have been, and continue to be, supportive of the Postal Service, the Delivering for America Act is no way to enact responsible postal reforms. The House Democrats’ bill certainly does not solve our election administration problems by this coming November, but more seriously, it thwarts the non-partisan actions taken by USPS’ management team to improve postal operations.

“Instead of delivering a partisan, alarmist bill, Congress should work in a bipartisan manner to ensure proper reforms are installed to ensure the longevity, both financially and operationally, of this historic American institution.

“Congress cannot ignore the need for postal reforms; however, we as Americans should have faith in the institution who says it has the proper funding to operate well into 2021. We should also have faith in the institution who has for generations ensured the delivery of ballots of the American voter- and who continues to ensure to the American people that it has the capacity for this upcoming election.

“Moving forward, it is imperative that we give the United States Postal Service the resources it needs to carry out its operations quickly and efficiently, especially during the trying times we find ourselves in today. Unfortunately, this bill is not the right vehicle for that. As USPS continues to provide critical services to the American people, I look forward to continuing these discussions regarding this vital institution to our country on how to return to long-term financial self-sufficiency.”

The coronavirus pandemic has affected the Postal Service just like it has affected industries across our nation. Therefore, the U.S. Treasury, on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, and the United States Postal Service reached an agreement on the material terms and conditions of a loan of up to $10 billion to the USPS.

According to United States Postal Service internal financial projections, the USPS will stay solvent until at least August 2021. In order to ensure Americans’ confidence in the postal system, Postmaster General DeJoy has delayed postal reforms until after the 2020 election.