Dear John,

For veterans, small businesses, rural communities, seniors, and millions of Americans, reliable mail deliveries make a real difference -- helping you get your medication, sell and produce your goods, participate in our democracy, and keep the lights on. That’s why recent operational changes created and executed by the Trump administration that are leading to reduced service and significant delays in mail delivery are an undeniable threat to the well-being of our communities. Everyone feels the effects, but I’ve heard especially from rural parts of our state about the devastating impacts of delays in vital deliveries, including Social Security checks and prescriptions.

That’s why last week, Senator Ron Wyden and I spoke in front of a post office to speak out against delays that are putting Oregonians and Americans across the country at risk, and call for immediate action. And it’s why this week I’m inspecting a USPS processing facility to find out why important equipment that helps the USPS make deliveries on time, like mail sorting machines, is being pulled off the floor, dismantled, and shipped away.

We need answers and accountability when it comes to these new rule changes that are reducing the efficiency and effectiveness of our Postal Service. This week I teamed up with my colleagues in pressing Postmaster General DeJoy to testify before Congress about the new rules, and for answers about how the rules were formulated and if any other plans are in the works that may affect vital deliveries for Americans. And earlier this year, I urged Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin to resist pressure from President Trump to condition critical funding for the Postal Service on the implementing of exorbitant package rate fees.

Now more than ever, we need a reliable postal system to keep critical deliveries within reach -- whether that’s medications, paychecks, or ballots. Please know that I will keep fighting to make sure our Postal Service gets the support and funding it needs and that political decisions don’t undermine its ability to fulfill its mission so millions of Oregonians can continue to depend on it for their health, their well-being, and the strength of their communities.

All my best,
Jeff