This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/10/us/politics/postal-service-trump-coronavirus.html

The article has changed 29 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 6 Version 7
A Fight Over the Future of the Mail Breaks Down Along Familiar Lines A Fight Over the Future of the Mail Breaks Down Along Familiar Lines
(3 days later)
Its roots stretch back almost 250 years to the Second Continental Congress. Americans consistently rate it their favorite federal agency, and with a work force of more than half a million scattered across the country, it employs more people than any government entity outside the military.Its roots stretch back almost 250 years to the Second Continental Congress. Americans consistently rate it their favorite federal agency, and with a work force of more than half a million scattered across the country, it employs more people than any government entity outside the military.
But as Washington begins to battle over the next round of coronavirus relief funding, the United States Postal Service, for many the most familiar face of the federal government, has landed improbably at the center of one of the most bitter political disputes over who should be rescued, and at what cost.But as Washington begins to battle over the next round of coronavirus relief funding, the United States Postal Service, for many the most familiar face of the federal government, has landed improbably at the center of one of the most bitter political disputes over who should be rescued, and at what cost.
The future of the mail may hang in the balance.The future of the mail may hang in the balance.
Postal leaders and their allies have made unusually blunt appeals for support in recent weeks, running advertisements on President Trump’s favorite Fox News programs and laying out an urgent account of how the pandemic has had a “devastating effect” on the U.S. mail service. Without a financial rescue from Congress, they have warned, an agency that normally runs without taxpayer funds could run out of cash as soon as late September, raising the specter of bankruptcy and an interruption in regular delivery for millions of Americans.Postal leaders and their allies have made unusually blunt appeals for support in recent weeks, running advertisements on President Trump’s favorite Fox News programs and laying out an urgent account of how the pandemic has had a “devastating effect” on the U.S. mail service. Without a financial rescue from Congress, they have warned, an agency that normally runs without taxpayer funds could run out of cash as soon as late September, raising the specter of bankruptcy and an interruption in regular delivery for millions of Americans.
But after nearly reaching a bipartisan deal for a multibillion dollar bailout in the last coronavirus rescue package in late March, Republicans and Democrats have sharply diverged over whether to provide a lifeline. Now, the fight over the future of the Postal Service has spilled onto the campaign trail, increasingly freighted by deeply held disagreements about labor rights, the role of government versus private enterprise in providing basic services, and voting access.But after nearly reaching a bipartisan deal for a multibillion dollar bailout in the last coronavirus rescue package in late March, Republicans and Democrats have sharply diverged over whether to provide a lifeline. Now, the fight over the future of the Postal Service has spilled onto the campaign trail, increasingly freighted by deeply held disagreements about labor rights, the role of government versus private enterprise in providing basic services, and voting access.
On one side is President Trump and his Treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, who have largely looked at the agency’s worsening bottom line as a problem of its own making.On one side is President Trump and his Treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, who have largely looked at the agency’s worsening bottom line as a problem of its own making.
“The Postal Service is a joke,” Mr. Trump declared recently, announcing that he would not support any additional financial support for the agency unless it raised package rates by 400 percent. The drastic increase, which most independent analysts say would ultimately hurt the Postal Service, appears to be aimed chiefly at Amazon, whose chief executive, Jeff Bezos, owns The Washington Post, and whom Mr. Trump regards as a nemesis.“The Postal Service is a joke,” Mr. Trump declared recently, announcing that he would not support any additional financial support for the agency unless it raised package rates by 400 percent. The drastic increase, which most independent analysts say would ultimately hurt the Postal Service, appears to be aimed chiefly at Amazon, whose chief executive, Jeff Bezos, owns The Washington Post, and whom Mr. Trump regards as a nemesis.
It was the White House that intervened in March, nixing a bipartisan plan to provide $13 billion to the Postal Service. And administration officials have made it clear that they will not sign off on any financial support — either in the form of a loan or direct funding — unless the Postal Service agrees to rate increases, labor concessions and other changes that would shrink the agency’s footprint, potentially saving money and benefiting private competitors like FedEx and UPS.It was the White House that intervened in March, nixing a bipartisan plan to provide $13 billion to the Postal Service. And administration officials have made it clear that they will not sign off on any financial support — either in the form of a loan or direct funding — unless the Postal Service agrees to rate increases, labor concessions and other changes that would shrink the agency’s footprint, potentially saving money and benefiting private competitors like FedEx and UPS.
Democrats, for their part, have positioned themselves as protectors of the agency, joined by large retailers like Amazon and CVS that rely on the Postal Service to deliver millions of packages a year at low rates. In the House, they are preparing to introduce a massive relief bill that would give the agency much of what it has asked for, including $25 billion in direct funding plus additional debt relief measures.Democrats, for their part, have positioned themselves as protectors of the agency, joined by large retailers like Amazon and CVS that rely on the Postal Service to deliver millions of packages a year at low rates. In the House, they are preparing to introduce a massive relief bill that would give the agency much of what it has asked for, including $25 billion in direct funding plus additional debt relief measures.
“We have to fight for the post office,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California said on Thursday, highlighting the contours of the emerging fight.“We have to fight for the post office,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California said on Thursday, highlighting the contours of the emerging fight.
“Their goal has always been to privatize, to make a profit off the Postal Service for private purposes,” Ms. Pelosi added, referring to Republicans. “We are for the public having the Postal Service meet the public interest, not some special interest."“Their goal has always been to privatize, to make a profit off the Postal Service for private purposes,” Ms. Pelosi added, referring to Republicans. “We are for the public having the Postal Service meet the public interest, not some special interest."
In many ways, the position is a natural one for Democrats. The Postal Service has been an engine of growth for the black middle class, and is one of the last strongholds of organized labor in the country, both critical constituencies for the modern Democratic Party. A functioning Postal Service is also a prerequisite for establishing a national vote-by-mail program for the elections in the fall, a priority for Democrats that some Republicans oppose.In many ways, the position is a natural one for Democrats. The Postal Service has been an engine of growth for the black middle class, and is one of the last strongholds of organized labor in the country, both critical constituencies for the modern Democratic Party. A functioning Postal Service is also a prerequisite for establishing a national vote-by-mail program for the elections in the fall, a priority for Democrats that some Republicans oppose.
But the issue has not always broken down neatly along partisan lines. Congressional Republicans who represent rural areas where the daily mail is an economic and medical lifeline have been some of the agency’s biggest supporters, and they could face political consequences for embracing the president’s position.But the issue has not always broken down neatly along partisan lines. Congressional Republicans who represent rural areas where the daily mail is an economic and medical lifeline have been some of the agency’s biggest supporters, and they could face political consequences for embracing the president’s position.
Take Senator Dan Sullivan, Republican of Alaska. He stood silently behind Mr. Trump in the Oval Office when the president threatened to block emergency aid to the Postal Service late last month.Take Senator Dan Sullivan, Republican of Alaska. He stood silently behind Mr. Trump in the Oval Office when the president threatened to block emergency aid to the Postal Service late last month.
But in Alaska, the mail is a vital commodity, delivering goods to remote areas that commercial delivery companies do not serve. On a tele-town hall with constituents recently, Mr. Sullivan said he would defend the Postal Service against any potential cuts.But in Alaska, the mail is a vital commodity, delivering goods to remote areas that commercial delivery companies do not serve. On a tele-town hall with constituents recently, Mr. Sullivan said he would defend the Postal Service against any potential cuts.
“It’s a lifeline for so many of our communities,” he said. “We are defenders of all of these programs because you can’t be treated differently just because you’re an American and you live in a village without a road.”“It’s a lifeline for so many of our communities,” he said. “We are defenders of all of these programs because you can’t be treated differently just because you’re an American and you live in a village without a road.”
With the pandemic unfolding in the heat of an election and Mr. Trump largely defining his party’s position, Democrats increasingly believe the issue could give them a political edge. Particularly at a time when Americans stuck at home have become hyper-conscious of their dependence on the mail, public polling suggests bipartisan majorities are in favor of a rescue deal and may even punish lawmakers who stand in the way.With the pandemic unfolding in the heat of an election and Mr. Trump largely defining his party’s position, Democrats increasingly believe the issue could give them a political edge. Particularly at a time when Americans stuck at home have become hyper-conscious of their dependence on the mail, public polling suggests bipartisan majorities are in favor of a rescue deal and may even punish lawmakers who stand in the way.
Richard Trumka, the president of the A.F.L.-C.I.O., said the Postal Service’s ubiquity, particularly in rural America, means both parties have traditionally had a vested interest in maintaining its financial stability.Richard Trumka, the president of the A.F.L.-C.I.O., said the Postal Service’s ubiquity, particularly in rural America, means both parties have traditionally had a vested interest in maintaining its financial stability.
“The Postal Service is like Social Security — it’s beloved by everybody,” Mr. Trumka said in an interview. “If the president or anyone else is seen as trying to debilitate or eliminate the Postal Service, they’ll pay a huge political price.”“The Postal Service is like Social Security — it’s beloved by everybody,” Mr. Trumka said in an interview. “If the president or anyone else is seen as trying to debilitate or eliminate the Postal Service, they’ll pay a huge political price.”
In a recent email blast, Tom Perez, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said Republicans were trying “to dismantle” the Postal Service, and with it, the jobs of hundreds of thousands of postal employees, as well as the connections between rural, poor and tribal areas to the economy.In a recent email blast, Tom Perez, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said Republicans were trying “to dismantle” the Postal Service, and with it, the jobs of hundreds of thousands of postal employees, as well as the connections between rural, poor and tribal areas to the economy.
Joseph R. Biden Jr., the former vice president and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, channeled the views of many in his party last month when he suggested that Mr. Trump was trying to bankrupt the Postal Service as a way to prevent vote-by-mail programs and sabotage November’s election. Mr. Trump has asserted that large-scale voting by mail would lead to a spike in turnout that would hurt his party, saying last month that it “doesn’t work out well for Republicans.”Joseph R. Biden Jr., the former vice president and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, channeled the views of many in his party last month when he suggested that Mr. Trump was trying to bankrupt the Postal Service as a way to prevent vote-by-mail programs and sabotage November’s election. Mr. Trump has asserted that large-scale voting by mail would lead to a spike in turnout that would hurt his party, saying last month that it “doesn’t work out well for Republicans.”
The Postal Service was plagued by financial woes long before the Covid-19 pandemic, having lost billions of dollars a year for the past decade, and bipartisan proposals for reform have kicked around Congress for years. The agency, which makes its money on the sale of postage and other products that have declined in popularity since the advent of email and online billing, has not relied on taxpayer funding for decades, instead issuing debt as losses have mounted.The Postal Service was plagued by financial woes long before the Covid-19 pandemic, having lost billions of dollars a year for the past decade, and bipartisan proposals for reform have kicked around Congress for years. The agency, which makes its money on the sale of postage and other products that have declined in popularity since the advent of email and online billing, has not relied on taxpayer funding for decades, instead issuing debt as losses have mounted.
Unlike a private company, it does not have the option of cutting back operations to shrink costs, and a requirement by Congress that it pre-fund a health benefits program for its employees has fueled billions of dollars in debt.Unlike a private company, it does not have the option of cutting back operations to shrink costs, and a requirement by Congress that it pre-fund a health benefits program for its employees has fueled billions of dollars in debt.
But the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the Postal Service’s problems. Even with package deliveries to homebound Americans up sharply, total mail volume is down by roughly a third. The agency projects those numbers could keep dropping, leading to a loss of $23 billion over the next 18 months.But the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the Postal Service’s problems. Even with package deliveries to homebound Americans up sharply, total mail volume is down by roughly a third. The agency projects those numbers could keep dropping, leading to a loss of $23 billion over the next 18 months.
Updated June 12, 2020Updated June 12, 2020
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Mr. Mnuchin has begun preliminary conversations with the Postal Service’s leaders about the terms of a loan of up to $10 billion that the Treasury Department is authorized to extend to the agency. Few details of the talks have become public, but a task force led by Mr. Mnuchin in 2018 proposed that the Postal Service raise its rates, begin diverting more work to non-unionized outside contractors, and essentially lease space in the nation’s mailboxes to private delivery services.Mr. Mnuchin has begun preliminary conversations with the Postal Service’s leaders about the terms of a loan of up to $10 billion that the Treasury Department is authorized to extend to the agency. Few details of the talks have become public, but a task force led by Mr. Mnuchin in 2018 proposed that the Postal Service raise its rates, begin diverting more work to non-unionized outside contractors, and essentially lease space in the nation’s mailboxes to private delivery services.
Democrats and union leaders have argued those changes would put the agency on a road to privatization. David C. Williams, the vice chairman of the Trump-appointed board of governors and a former postal inspector general, was so uncomfortable over the talks with the Treasury Department that he resigned last month, concerned about the politicization of an organization that is normally unaffected by partisanship, according to people familiar with his thinking.Democrats and union leaders have argued those changes would put the agency on a road to privatization. David C. Williams, the vice chairman of the Trump-appointed board of governors and a former postal inspector general, was so uncomfortable over the talks with the Treasury Department that he resigned last month, concerned about the politicization of an organization that is normally unaffected by partisanship, according to people familiar with his thinking.
And last week, the board of governors announced that it had selected a North Carolina businessman and major Republican donor to be the next postmaster general, replacing a career postal employee with someone who is expected to be more sympathetic to the administration’s views.And last week, the board of governors announced that it had selected a North Carolina businessman and major Republican donor to be the next postmaster general, replacing a career postal employee with someone who is expected to be more sympathetic to the administration’s views.
The White House position has increasingly vocal allies in Congress. Armed with a new report from the Government Accountability Office on the Postal Service’s long-term structural challenges, Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio, the top Republican on the House Oversight Committee, accused Democrats of trying to let the agency off the hook for mistakes that had nothing to do with the coronavirus crisis.The White House position has increasingly vocal allies in Congress. Armed with a new report from the Government Accountability Office on the Postal Service’s long-term structural challenges, Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio, the top Republican on the House Oversight Committee, accused Democrats of trying to let the agency off the hook for mistakes that had nothing to do with the coronavirus crisis.
“Simply throwing more of taxpayers’ hard-earned money at them won’t fix their problems,” Mr. Jordan said.“Simply throwing more of taxpayers’ hard-earned money at them won’t fix their problems,” Mr. Jordan said.
Some other influential Republicans who had been supportive of a bailout appear to be backing away, accusing both the Postal Service and Democrats of making the situation sound more dire than it is.Some other influential Republicans who had been supportive of a bailout appear to be backing away, accusing both the Postal Service and Democrats of making the situation sound more dire than it is.
On Wednesday, Senator Ron Johnson, Republican of Wisconsin and the chairman of the committee overseeing the Postal Service, requested a more detailed account of its finances. Mr. Johnson, who had previously supported allocating funds to prop up the agency, said that data received by his staff suggested actual revenues from mid-March to mid-April were down less than 6 percent compared to the year before.On Wednesday, Senator Ron Johnson, Republican of Wisconsin and the chairman of the committee overseeing the Postal Service, requested a more detailed account of its finances. Mr. Johnson, who had previously supported allocating funds to prop up the agency, said that data received by his staff suggested actual revenues from mid-March to mid-April were down less than 6 percent compared to the year before.
“That was a far cry from the 30 percent that U.S.P.S. had been publicly projecting,” Mr. Johnson wrote. “Although I have yet to receive official data to confirm this, my understanding is that U.S.P.S. revenues have recently improved — so much so that this April’s revenues were close to equal to those in April 2019.”“That was a far cry from the 30 percent that U.S.P.S. had been publicly projecting,” Mr. Johnson wrote. “Although I have yet to receive official data to confirm this, my understanding is that U.S.P.S. revenues have recently improved — so much so that this April’s revenues were close to equal to those in April 2019.”
Alan Rappeport contributed reporting. Kitty Bennett contributed research.Alan Rappeport contributed reporting. Kitty Bennett contributed research.