For decades, Congressional Republicans sought to undermine the US Postal Service, trying to create an opening so they could privatize it and sell it off to corporate interests.
In 2006, they delivered a massive blow to the USPS when they passed the so-called prefunding mandate, which required the Postal Service to pre-fund its retiree health care benefits a staggering 75 years in advance. (In other words, they forced the USPS to set aside money for people who not only hadn’t retired yet, but hadn’t been born yet.) Unsurprisingly, that nonsense requirement put the USPS under tremendous financial stress, and Congressional Republicans started talking about privatization.
Peter wasn't about to let that happen.
He drafted the USPS Fairness Act, which would eliminate the prefunding requirement.
Year after year, Peter introduced the USPS Fairness Act in the House, showing his unwavering commitment to protecting the Postal Service. His persistence and dedication paid off when the bill was successfully passed in 2022.
The enactment of the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 brought much-needed relief to the Postal Service, alleviating the financial and operational challenges posed by the pre-funding mandate. This legislation ensured the continuation of six-day-a-week mail delivery, supporting the vital services the Postal Service provides to communities across the country.
Thanks to Peter’s bill, the US Postal Service can continue to serve the American people with efficiency and reliability. His work exemplifies the positive impact that dedicated public servants can have in safeguarding essential services for all.
