Government affairs

Today, all 45 members of the Senate Democratic caucus led by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) introduced a resolution (S. Res. 644) calling on Congress to appropriate funds to cover lost revenues due to Covid-19.

The resolution highlights the need to “ensure that the Postal Service maintains its services and remains an accessible, independent establishment of the Federal Government.”

As justification for relief, the Senate highlights the cost, reliability, efficiency and service to all communities in rural and urban areas. The resolution goes on to pinpoint essentials such as medications that move through the mail and touts the importance of six-day mail delivery and the value of “last mile” delivery. In addition, the resolution specifically references the 630,000 employees and 97,000 veterans who serve the needs of the $1.6 trillion industry tied to over 7.3 million jobs.

The resolution comes at a pivotal time since the Senate is expected to consider whether another relief package will be coming before Congress departs for August recess (expected August 7). After this week, both chambers will be largely out of Washington until July 20, giving just two weeks to decide whether relief for the Postal Service will be part of those discussions. The House, passed its relief bill in

NALC appreciates the intent of the resolution and continues to call on Congress to provide relief in its next package for the Postal Service as we continue through this time of great uncertainty in the economy. NALC members should encourage all Senators to join calls for immediate financial relief.