Action 125 – Defending the Postal Service
Background: In early March (Action 49) we warned of the Trump/Project 2025 intention to “fire the bipartisan Postal Board of Governors and move the postal service into the Department of Commerce.” We warned that this move would give the power-hungry, would-be dictator-president the power to politicize mail delivery. We have witnessed his attempts at retribution against anyone or any entity that disagrees with him, including the State of Maine, its businesses and educational institutions, and its people. If he achieves the goal of putting the Postal Service under his “unitary executive” control, we could expect the following: purposeful delays in mail-in ballots in the 2026 election, prohibiting certain medicines delivered by mail, delays in benefit checks, and a complete cessation of Rural Free Delivery wherever it’s expensive, i.e. much of CD 2. To say nothing of steadily increasing costs to mail a letter or postcard or a small business package.
Since March, at least 200 members of Congress have cosponsored bipartisan resolutions protecting the Postal Service. Jared Golden and Chellie Pingree are listed among the cosponsors of House Resolution 70, which is titled “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should take all appropriate measures to ensure that the United States Postal Service remains an independent establishment of the Federal Government and is not subject to privatization.”(1) In the Senate, a similar resolution (2) was introduced by Susan Collins, who stated at the time: “The U.S. Postal Service plays a vital role in the daily lives of millions of Americans, especially in rural states like Maine, where the timely delivery of essentials like prescription medications is critical... Privatizing the Postal Service would jeopardize its core mission while driving up costs and reducing service. I have long supported efforts to strengthen the Postal Service, and I will continue working to ensure that it remains accessible in American communities for years to come.” Senator King has also opposed privatization.
Action: It is refreshing to be able to communicate our support of something our legislators have done! Drop them a note to urge them to be steadfast and resolute as the headwinds of privatization of the Postal Service are once again blowing, thanks to DOGE and the insatiable greed of the plutocrats.
Contact:
Senator Susan Collins: Email: www.collins.senate.gov/contact/email-senator-collins/form
Phone: (202) 224-2523 (DC office), (207) 945-0417 (Bangor office)
Senator Angus King: Email www.king.senate.gov/contact
Phone: (202) 224-5344 (DC office), (207) 945-8000 (Bangor office)
Representative Jared Golden: Email: golden.house.gov/contact
Phone: (202) 224-3121 (DC office), (207) 249-7400 (Bangor office)
Representative Chellie Pingree: Email: https://pingree.house.gov/contact/
Phone: (202) 225-6116 (DC office), (207) 774-5019 (Portland office)
Urgency: This is a chance to brand us as constructive citizens, not always complaining. Use this opportunity, because we have plenty of other things to complain about!! Positive reinforcement (when possible) puts our legislators on notice that you are paying close attention to what they are up to.
Extra Credit:
Ø https://apwu.org/news/us-mail-not-sale/lets-get-truth-myths-and-facts-about-postal-privatization
Ø https://cepr.net/publications/privatizing-the-post-office/
Ø (1) https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/70/cosponsors
Ø (2) https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/USPS.pdf