Jon Ossoff pushes for oversight of postal service amid delivery issues

U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff from Georgia has proposed the Postmaster General Reform Act in response to significant delivery issues faced by the U.S. Postal Service, particularly in Georgia. This legislation aims to require Senate confirmation for the appointment of the postmaster general, a role currently filled by the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors without congressional oversight. Ossoff criticized the current leadership, attributing the delivery failures to poor management and execution. The Postal Service has been struggling with operational challenges, especially after consolidating multiple facilities into one in Palmetto, Georgia. This consolidation was intended to enhance efficiency but instead led to a decline in delivery performance, with Georgia being reported as the worst-performing state in a recent service performance report. The state experienced a 90% on-time delivery rate for first-class mail in 2023, which has raised concerns among local lawmakers and citizens. Ossoff's concerns are particularly focused on the impact of these delivery issues on vulnerable populations, such as seniors relying on mail for medications and small businesses that depend on timely deliveries. The senator's call for reform comes amid broader criticisms of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy's management, especially as the nation approaches a critical election period where mail-in ballots are expected to surge. The proposed legislation reflects a growing demand for accountability within the Postal Service, aiming to ensure that leadership is held responsible for operational failures. As the Postal Service continues to face financial losses and declining mail volumes, the need for effective management and oversight has never been more pressing.