Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should take all appropriate measures to ensure that the United States Postal Service remains an independent establishment of the Federal Government and is not subject to privatization.
The resolution points to several potential adverse outcomes of privatizing the USPS, including increased mailing costs and a reduction in the quality of services, particularly for rural communities that depend heavily on affordable mail delivery options. Furthermore, the privatization could undermine the USPS's capacity to respond to health, safety, and crime situations as postal employees often serve as critical points of contact within their local communities. The improvement of e-commerce is also highlighted as an area severely threatened by privatization; the USPS plays a vital role in facilitating online shopping and deliveries across the nation.
House Resolution 70 expresses the House of Representatives' stance that Congress should take all necessary actions to ensure the United States Postal Service (USPS) remains an independent establishment of the Federal Government and does not undergo privatization. The resolution highlights the USPS's role as a constitutionally mandated service and a self-sustaining entity that does not rely on taxpayer funding, instead generating revenue through its various postal services and products. With over 630,000 employees, the Postal Service is integral to the $1.9 trillion mailing industry and connects millions of addresses daily, emphasizing its significance in both urban and rural contexts.
Notable points within the bill emphasize its popularity, as the USPS often ranks as one of the highest-rated federal agencies according to non-partisan polls. The resolution also recognizes the postal service's commitment to hiring military veterans, indicating an important employment avenue in the country. While the resolution has a solid backing within the House, discussions around privatization may bring contrasting opinions from different stakeholders such as private delivery companies that may view the USPS as a competitor. Hence, the resolution serves as a critical reminder of the debates surrounding the future and status of the USPS in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.