Washington DC - April 1, 2020 - The following is a statement from Package Coalition Chairman, Secretary John McHugh, in response to today’s United States Postal Service Board of Governors meeting:
“Now more than ever the U.S. Postal Service is playing the vital role envisioned by the Founding Fathers of binding all Americans together with reliable, affordable mail and package delivery services. Elderly, sick and rural citizens are especially dependent on the Postal Service even in times of stability, but the economic stress caused by Covid-19 is threatening to cripple this essential government service.
“Today the Postal Service Board of Governors announced that in order to continue operating in the face of this unprecedented crisis, the Postal Service must borrow additional funds. Though this is completely necessary to support American consumers and the economy in a time of crisis, it will unfortunately increase the debt burden on the Postal Service.
“Congress and the Administration must appropriate funds to help the Postal Service continue operating in this time of extreme need -- just as they have supported so many other industries. In the meantime, if the Postal Service requires further cash from its borrowing authority, the Treasury Department should immediately grant any such request without conditions. Elected officials should not allow a reduction in rural services or advocate for hiked prices at a time when people need timely mail and package delivery the most.”