WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has approved legislation that would reverse recent changes in U.S. Postal Service operations.
The measure would also send $25 billion in emergency funds to shore up the agency ahead of November's presidential election.
Passage was 257 to 150 and came after heated debate. President Donald Trump had urged a no vote, calling concerns over mail delivery a “hoax," and the White House says he will veto the bill if it passes the GOP-led Senate.
More than two dozen Republicans broke with the president and backed the legislation.
Congressman Bobby Scott issued the following statement after the House passed the bill:
“Families, veterans, seniors, small businesses, and nonprofits across the country rely on the United States Postal Service (USPS) to receive medication, essential goods, learning materials, and more. However, the Trump Administration has implemented operational changes that have caused egregious mail delays all over the nation. These delays are unacceptable, especially during a global pandemic when constituents are relying on timely mail delivery for much-needed items, including prescription drugs, tax refunds, economic impact payments and absentee ballots. By President Trump’s own admission, this is a blatant effort by the Administration to try to make it harder for people to vote by mail. The President is trying to dismantle a critical part of everyday American life because he thinks it may help his electoral prospects. That is why I was proud to vote for the Delivering for America Act, which will prevent any additional meddling with USPS. This legislation would maintain service standards at USPS as well as the integrity of our elections.”
