Yakima Times

Today, Representative Dan Newhouse introduced the Upholding USPS Delivery Standards and Election Integrity Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislative move comes amid growing public concerns about changes to mail facility processes that could affect delivery times and election operations.

“I have consistently been hearing serious concerns regarding the impact of new USPS mail facility reviews slowing delivery times and potentially impacting election operations here in the state,” said Rep. Newhouse.

He further explained, “This bill codifies a guarantee that the USPS cannot conduct mail center reviews during an election year. We don’t want to see these reviews lead to a potential change in operations that could interrupt the ballot collection box delivery processes amid an election. I also included a provision to prevent the USPS from closing small and rural post offices."

The proposed legislation mandates three key actions: preventing consolidation or closure of small rural post offices, halting mail processing facility reviews during election years, and requiring an audit by the USPS Office of Inspector General on collection box removal processes with a report submitted to Congress.

The bill is supported by several Congressional Findings, which include concerns over changes outlined in the USPS's Delivering For America plan announced in 2021. The findings cite feedback from citizens and representatives urging the Postmaster General for transparency regarding these reviews. An audit in March 2024 revealed negative impacts such as worsened service and increased late mail transportation trips.

Further developments occurred in April 2024 when the Postal Regulatory Commission demanded justification for not seeking advisory opinions on reviewal processes' impacts on delivery standards. By May 2024, some reforms were paused until January 2025, including those affecting Yakima and Wenatchee offices.

These postponements were influenced by oversight efforts led by Rep. Newhouse earlier this year, emphasizing successful advocacy against operational changes that could disrupt local services.