ACLU Urges Yes Vote To Save USPS

WASHINGTON — The American Civil Liberties Union issued a “yes” vote recommendation on the historic vote scheduled for tomorrow in the House of Representatives on HR 8015, the Delivering for America Act. The bill would prohibit and reverse any changes to U.S. Postal Service operations that would reduce or impede the level of service during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide $25 billion in funding.

In addition to employing nearly 500,000 people, USPS provides critical services for voting access, especially during a pandemic, and in delivering legal notices, medical supplies, and unemployment benefits for people in rural areas, low-income neighborhoods, communities of color, for people incarcerated, and people with disabilities. The ACLU will be scoring this vote in the organization’s congressional scorecard, available online here.

The following is a statement from Christopher Anders, ACLU deputy political director:

“The president’s attacks on the Postal Service threaten to undermine the basic infrastructure that Americans rely on to vote, whether it be casting a mail-in ballot, registering to vote, or receiving elections-related information. Beyond the election, people rely on the U.S. Postal Service every day for a myriad of life-critical functions, such as the delivery of prescription drugs, receiving paychecks and government benefits, paying bills, and conducting business operations. During the pandemic, the Postal Service has played an even more critical role in helping us complete essential business transactions and remain in touch with friends and loved ones. The Constitution itself authorizes the Post Office, and Congress must do everything in its power to ensure the USPS remains vibrant and strong. The Senate, and Majority Leader McConnell, should follow the House’s lead and pass this legislation.”

The vote recommendation is available here.