Protecting the Postal Service

Michiganders count on reliable mail service to receive prescription drugs, paychecks and bills and for small businesses to connect with their customers – especially during the pandemic.

As the top Democrat on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Gary led efforts in the Senate to support the Postal Service’s longstanding tradition of reliable delivery. Gary fought to secure $10 billion in emergency funding to help the Postal Service navigate significant challenges caused by the Coronavirus pandemic and economic downturn, and has called for additional legislation to help ensure the Postal Service can continue to provide steady service.

Following changes made by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy in the summer of 2020 that caused significant mail delays, Gary launched an investigation to shed light on how these delays are affecting the people who count on the Postal Service to deliver. Through his investigation, Gary received more than 7,600 reports from seniors, veterans, small businesses, rural residents, and others who have been harmed by mail delays.

Gary secured Congress’ first oversight hearing with Postmaster General DeJoy to demand answers about delivery delays that have adversely affected Michiganders and Americans. Gary called on the Postmaster General to reverse these harmful changes, and introduced legislation to reverse any changes that would disrupt service for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Gary has long opposed any efforts to privatize the Postal Service, and cosponsored long-term postal reform legislation previously. He supports efforts to pass bipartisan legislation to reform the Postal Service and ensure quality, dependable service for years to come.