Peters Statement on Reports of USPS Removing Mail Processing Machines & Postal Collection Boxes Across the Country

DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement on reports that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has begun removing some mail processing machines and collection boxes from processing facilities and communities across the country, including in Michigan:

“These reports are alarming and raise big red flags about what appears to be an ongoing effort to slow mail delivery. I will be delving into these reports as part of my ongoing investigation into postal delays. This is simply wrong. We must protect the Postal Service. The Postmaster General has repeatedly refused to be transparent or satisfactorily answer questions on the minds of Michiganders and Americans as they see long mail delays.

“The Postal Service is a lifeline to Michiganders and Americans across the country who depend on reliable mail service, especially in rural communities. Since announcing my investigation, I’ve received thousands of stories, including from Michigan small businesses hobbled by slower service and veterans facing delays receiving critical prescription drugs. These delays are also hurting families who count on the mail to get paychecks and to pay their bills—and now are facing late fees and penalties because mail was delivered late.

“These changes are having harmful and even devastating impacts on Michiganders and people across the country. I’m going to continue fighting to get to the bottom of this and work to protect timely mail service.”

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