WASHINGTON — Representatives Jack Bergman (MI-01) and Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) introduced a bipartisan bill, the Protect Postal Performance Act, to prevent the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from downsizing facilities in underserved areas, provide more oversight over modifications to delivery schedules, and increase public transparency on proposed changes. The legislation is co-led by Representatives Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), Jared Golden (ME-02), and Chris Pappas (NH-01).

“For those in Michigan’s First District and other rural areas, timely mail service is essential. Whether it’s for bills, medications, or other vital resources, their mail service must function properly and efficiently. They deserve a system that works, not one plagued by unnecessary delays due to poor decision-making. The Protect Postal Performance Act aims to put the needs of rural America ahead of the ill-conceived plans of bureaucrats. I’m proud to lead this with Congresswoman Budzinski to ensure accountability and transparency in the postal service,” Rep. Bergman stated.

The Postal Service had developed plans to switch mail distribution for the U.P. from Kingsford to the Green Bay area. Although those plans were scrapped other cuts were proposed.

Bergman has also faced recent criticism over not holding town hall meetings in his district.

“My constituents in Central and Southern Illinois are already facing delays in service and the Postmaster General’s plans to downsize USPS would only worsen the situation–leading to more missed paychecks, late bills, and even delays in essential medications,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I was proud to bring forward bipartisan legislation to push back on this misguided effort that could further impact poor delivery rates for rural Americans. This bill not only seeks to prevent further deterioration in service but also ensures more transparency in USPS reforms while safeguarding local postal jobs.”

“Concerns about the Delivering for America’s potential impact on consumers are consistently raised by stakeholders across the board, including the Postal Regulatory Commission in its Advisory Opinion. The Protect Postal Performance Act goes a long way to preserve rural communities’ access to reliable mail service. This bill rightfully places additional safeguards on USPS for changes that seek to restructure its rural processing and delivery network, ensures transparency in decision-making, and expands opportunities for public engagement. I’m proud to work with Congresswoman Budzinski in a bipartisan manner to continue this fight,” Rep. Hageman added.

“For years, Postal Service leadership has made explicit choices to lengthen delivery times, abruptly close rural post offices, and ignore inquiries from concerned citizens and lawmakers. Congress must act to hold the agency accountable. Our bill is a collection of simple, realistic reforms to make future decision making more transparent and ensure the Postal Service no longer neglects rural America. I’m proud to help lead this important mission with Congresswoman Budzinski and Maine’s dedicated postal employees,” Rep. Golden remarked.

“New Hampshire seniors, families, and businesses rely on the U.S. Postal Service for their medications, mail, and packages. USPS must take actions that will improve service – not make it worse,” said Rep. Pappas. “By preventing harmful facility downsizing and strengthening on-time deliveries, this bipartisan legislation would safeguard mail service for communities across New Hampshire. I’ll continue to support efforts that strengthen transparency, protect our postal workers, and improve mail service.”

Protect Postal Performance Act is endorsed by the United Postmasters and Managers of America (UPMA).

“UPMA is grateful for the bipartisan efforts of Rep. Budzinski, Rep. Hageman, Rep. Golden, Rep. Bergman and Rep. Pappas in Congress to protect the workers of the postal service from service cuts that would negatively impact the quality of mail delivery received by the American people. The Protecting Postal Performance Act will help ensure evidence, data, and sound management practices lead the USPS’s strategy going forward and will ensure that any changes to retail and postal facilities in the future are fully vetted. Sound financial management of the Postal Service means a sustainable postal service – and UPMA will be a partner in ensuring that the organization follows the data to be the best service provider to the American people,” said Tony Leonardi, National President United Postmasters and Managers of America.