Despite what Donald Trump might say to push his propaganda campaign, the United States Postal Service isn't a political institution, team -- the USPS serves red and blue districts, cities and small towns, all of us.

Our mail carriers brave extreme weather and now a deadly pandemic to deliver everything from paychecks to lifesaving medications to mail-in ballots. Yet Donald Trump and his administration are determined to undermine the USPS' critical services by spreading abhorrent lies about vote-by-mail and blocking funding that the USPS desperately needs.

Since taking office, GOP mega-donor and Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has made a series of calculated and dangerous changes that would drastically delay mail delivery. We put pressure on him by raising our voices and organizing in communities across this country until he backed down -- but we can't let up now. Though he announced that he'll suspend them until after the election, he must still commit to fully reversing these changes altogether. Additionally, he has yet to confirm whether mail-sorting machines removed across the country will be returned. Meanwhile, the USPS still desperately needs more funding.

Let me be clear: These attacks on the USPS from the Trump administration are attacks on each and every one of us -- and the values and institutions we hold dear. These are attacks on health care for the many who receive their medications in the mail, on democracy as millions vote-by-mail, on small businesses and on economic stability as shipments, payments, and checks are delayed.

Democrats are fighting back because that is what this moment calls for. As Donald Trump tries to use the full power of his office to sabotage the USPS and our democracy, know that I will do everything I can to hold him accountable, get justice, save the USPS, and fully protect our elections so every vote is counted and every voice is heard.

In the meantime, we must be vigilant. Vote early -- as soon as you get your ballot. If you can, put it in a drop box to ensure it gets counted quickly. If you see or hear of blatant attempts in your community to undermine USPS, share your stories. If you have family or friends in Republican districts, tell them to be vocal too -- this is not a partisan issue. Rural and urban, red and blue places all need the postal service. Finally, if your state uses drop boxes, urge your elected officials at the state and local levels to deploy more throughout neighborhoods, making it easier to vote.

It's critical that we each do our part to make sure all of our ballots are counted -- not only to vote out Donald Trump but to elect progressives up and down the ballot across the country.

Thank you for recognizing the gravity of this moment.

In solidarity,

Pramila Jayapal