1 articles · Updated · Federal News Network · Jun 3
Summary
USPS is considering asking Congress to eliminate or weaken the Postal Regulatory Commission as it refines a reform package to avert running out of cash in early 2027.
An internal January document says removing PRC oversight would let USPS raise prices more freely and strike commercial deals faster, while other options include closing unprofitable post offices and cutting delivery from six days to five.
The agency estimates a 90-cent Forever stamp could add up to $5 billion a year, five-day delivery could save $3.5 billion, and recalculating Civil Service Retirement System payments could save another $3.5 billion annually.
USPS has already tightened nonessential spending and delayed some retirement contributions to conserve cash, while consumer and labor groups warn that service cuts and higher prices could accelerate mail-volume losses.
Congress erased $107 billion in USPS liabilities in 2022, but the self-funded agency remains short of its break-even goal and is now seeking broader legislative changes, including raising its Treasury borrowing cap to $35 billion.