WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) wrote to the United States Postal Service (USPS) about concerns the institution is not fulfilling its service mission and sustaining financial self-sufficiency through its policies. Iowans from across the state have contacted Grassley’s office this year to share their challenges with the mail, prompting Grassley to take action. New Postmaster General David Steiner is anticipated to formally join USPS in July. 

“I often hear from postal customers that they are facing issues with sending and receiving their mail in a timely and reliable manner. In addition, businesses that utilize the postal service for the delivery of market dominant products are facing postage rate price hikes that are impacting business operations and causing companies to decrease mailing volume,” Grassley wrote. 

Specifically, Iowans have reported issues with bills and checks not being delivered on time, missing mail and increased delays in mail pickup. Businesses reported challenges maintaining mail volumes given dramatic rate increases of more than 50% and poor handling of packages.  

“Delivering to every corner of the United States is no small feat, and I applaud the dedicated postal workers that serve their communities daily and USPS for the successes of decreasing its projected losses. That said, USPS must not let the quality of its service decline as reforms to achieve stronger financial footing are considered and implemented,” Grassley continued. 

Grassley noted that, in addition to quality service, USPS must focus on long-term viability to continue serving the American people for another 250 years and beyond. He is encouraging the agency to take an innovative approach to rightsize the institution, as well as support flexibility when reforms are not working. 

Background:

Unlike regular federal agencies, USPS does not receive congressionally appropriated funding. Instead, it’s self-financed with revenue from postage, packages and shipping. For many years, USPS has faced a significant decline in first-class mail volume and has operated with revenue losses. 

Previous administrations, lawmakers and government watchdogs have recommended reforms to strengthen the Postal Service’s ability to modernize its operations, uphold commitments to its workforce and maintain its fundamental mission of universal service. 

Text of the letter can be found HERE and below. 

June 26, 2025 

Ms. Amber F. McReynolds
Chair, Board of Governors
United States Postal Service
475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW 
Washington, DC 20260 

Dear Ms. McReynolds and members of the Board of Governors, 

As the United States Postal Service (USPS) approaches 250 years of its establishment as an institution that serves the American people, I write to you with skepticism that the institution is delivering on its mission. I often hear from postal customers that they are facing issues with sending and receiving their mail in a timely and reliable manner. In addition, businesses that utilize the postal service for the delivery of market dominant products are facing postage rate price hikes that are impacting business operations and causing companies to decrease mailing volume. 

I have been a partner of the USPS to ensure that it remains self-sufficient and, as advised by USPS, direct Iowans to the proper channels to seek remedies for the problems they face. Though, the persistence of issues with USPS’s services remains. For example, so far in 2025, no fewer than two dozen Iowans have contacted me outlining the challenges they are having with bills and checks being delivered on time, mail missing, and increased duration of mail pickup and delivery times. These issues are not location specific and span across every congressional district in Iowa. Additionally, I have heard from businesses about difficulties in maintaining mail volumes given the dramatic rate increases of more than 50% on USPS market dominant products, or that there is poor handling of packages and improper planning to satisfy shipping demand. Further, changes to rural delivery are impacting postal workers and customers alike. 

In Congress, we often hear from USPS leaders that the legislative branch tends to hinder USPS’s ability to adapt to address the challenges it faces because members and the American people do not want any change to how USPS operates. While there may be some truth to that as change is often met with resistance, the initial years of the implementation of USPS’ self-help “Delivering for America Plan,” has not demonstrated that USPS is striking a needed balance of financial self-sufficiency and quality service. Delivering to every corner of the United States is no small feat, and I applaud the dedicated postal workers that serve their communities daily and USPS for the successes of decreasing its projected losses. That said, USPS must not let the quality of its service decline as reforms to achieve stronger financial footing are considered and implemented. 

I recognize the challenges USPS faces and understand that given the advent of the internet and competition with other entities, there has been a considerable decrease in mail volume which has impacted the Postal Service’s operations and bottom line. The need for innovation is apparent. It appears that efforts, such as recovering market dominant revenue, are in practice facilitating counterproductive outcomes. The long-term viability of USPS ought to be the focus, so the institution remains to serve the American people for another 250 plus years. 

As the USPS awaits to formally welcome Mr. David Steiner as the new Postmaster General; I strongly encourage you and Mr. Steiner to be innovative in the approaches to right size the institution as well as flexible when reforms are not working to ensure that it fulfills its mission successfully. Americans depend on it. 

Sincerely, 

Chuck Grassley 

United States Senator