NH Congressional Delegation Calls for Answers on Postal Service Problems

Delegation Shares Stories of Granite Staters Who Have Experienced Delays in Receiving Medication & Other Essential Supplies Amid COVID-19

(Washington, DC)– U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-01) and Chris Pappas (NH-02) are calling for answers on mail delivery concerns that they have heard from Granite Staters.

The letter follows recent changes instituted by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who started in his position in May. “We are very concerned about reports of recent policy decisions made at the agency under your tenure, including instructing workers to leave mail behind at distribution centers, restricting transportation practices, and cutting overtime. These harmful policies undermine the fundamental commitment to service on which the USPS was founded,” wrote the Congressional Delegation.

In their letter, the Congressional Delegation raised specific concerns that they have heard from constituents, including a veteran who has yet to receive medication that he normally receives by mail. The Congressional Delegation also heard from a postal employee who shared that there have been deliberate delays.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, these issues are even more problematic. One Granite Stater who works at a nursing home and whose wife is pregnant shared, “I consistently do not receive packages through the USPS, including important items to maintain my house with functioning water.” Instead, they have to pick up the package in person, which unnecessarily exposes the family to more individuals amid the pandemic. 

“Now more than ever, Granite Staters rely on the USPS for critical needs, including medications, food, and benefit payments. For our local businesses, the USPS plays a critical role in their survival, especially as they develop new ways of doing business during the pandemic,” wrote the Congressional Delegation. “We urge you to reverse recent agency policy changes and take steps to improve mail service to communities in New Hampshire and across the country.”

You can read the Congressional Delegation’s full letter here.