Congressman Steven Horsford Votes to Pass Delivering for America Act to Save USPS and Protect the Right to Vote | Congressman Steven Horsford
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Congressman Steven Horsford Votes to Pass Delivering for America Act to Save USPS and Protect the Right to Vote

August 22, 2020

Washington, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) voted to pass the Delivering for America Act, H.R. 8015, to prohibit the U.S. Postal Service from implementing any operational changes that would obstruct prompt, reliable service. The Postal Service has been a lifeline for veterans and seniors who need medication and rural communities in Nevada's Fourth District, including White Pine, Lincoln, Nye, Esmeralda, Mineral, and Lyon counties, who depend on mail delivery for everyday needs, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. The legislation also requires the agency to prioritize ballots and provides the agency with critical funds to carry out operations.

"Enshrined in our Constitution, the United States Postal Service has been dedicated to delivering mail to every home in America. The recent operational changes directed by Postmaster General DeJoy is a clear breach to this duty, threatens the livelihoods of Nevadans, and attempts to invalidate our democratic process," said Congressman Steven Horsford. "I'm proud of today's vote to block these dangerous measures and to fund the Postal Service to continue efficient mail delivery for seniors, veterans, businesses, and families who are coping with the effects of this pandemic. I am grateful for the postal workers who are on the frontline serving our community. I will continue to honor their work and ensure Nevadans can access this essential service and the ballot box."

The Delivering for America Act would reverse Postmaster General DeJoy's new operational policies that have led to reduced services and delayed mail delivery in Nevada and the rest of the country. The bill has several key provisions, including:

  • Prohibiting the Postal Service from implementing or approving any changes to the operations or service levels in effect on January 1, 2020, that would impede prompt, reliable, and efficient service. The prohibition remains in effect during the duration of the coronavirus public health emergency or January 2021, whichever is later.
  • Requiring the Postal Service to treat all election mail as first-class mail.
  • Providing $25 billion in critically-needed emergency appropriations for the Postal Service, the level of funding recommended by the USPS Board of Governors, which is composed of 100 percent Trump appointees.

A fact sheet of the bill can be found here and the bill text can be found here.

On Wednesday, Congressman Horsford held a virtual town hall with Nevadans, who have been detrimentally affected by the recent operational changes. Community members from Nevada's Fourth Congressional District, including veterans, tribes, small business owners, and seniors expressed their grievances with delayed mail services.

Congressman Horsford supports several Congressional oversight efforts to provide funding and resources to the Postal Service and maintain its mail delivery services. The Congressman joined members of the House in multiple letters to demand the immediate removal of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, ensure that vote-by-mail can be effectively conducted, express the adverse effects recent mail delays on veterans, and request the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to publicly declare the significance of the Postal Service to Americans' health.

Other measures the Congressman supports include urging the Senate to pass $25 billion in funding to assist the postal operations, advising the U.S. Department of Agriculture to apply for additional funds to continue their commitment to rural communities, and request that House leadership provide strong financial assistance to the Postal Service in future relief packages.

Last week, Congressman Horsford joined Congressional leadership in a letter calling for the immediate reversal of the recent Postal Service changes that have exacerbated a dramatic increase in delayed and undelivered mail. The letter expresses concern over the effects of the new Postal Service policies on the 2020 election and accessibility to quality mail services.

Background:

President Trump appointed Postmaster General Louis DeJoy in May to oversee Postal Service operations. Since that time, he has implemented dangerous changes that have hurt individuals relying on mail services and punishes Postal Service employees. Some fundamental changes to the Postal Service operations include cutting back hours at some Postal Service offices, denying overtime to mail clerks and carriers, and requiring carriers to leave mail behind or on the workroom floor. Postal workers have even reported the removal of mail sorting machines from post offices across the country.