In a reversal, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has agreed to pause its controversial plans to consolidate dozens of processing facilities until at least January 1, 2025.
This move comes after a growing bipartisan chorus in Congress demanded a halt to the changes, which would have shifted mail processing across state lines and potentially impacted the upcoming presidential election. The pause ensures that millions of Americans voting by mail will not face disruptions to the mailing network.
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy had previously defended his vision as the only viable path forward for the agency, calling the issue existential.
Postmaster General DeJoy Yields to Bipartisan Pressure, Halts USPS Consolidations
However, he has now committed to pausing the implementation of these moves until after January 1, 2025, and will only advance them at a moderated pace with prior notification to Congress.
The decision will keep nearly 60 facilities open in their normal operations. DeJoy had acknowledged and apologized for mail delays but claimed they were short-term problems on the path to sustained improvements.
The pause will alleviate concerns about mail delays impacting the election, and USPS has vowed to institute special procedures to ensure timely delivery of mailed ballots.
While some lawmakers have applauded the decision, others, like Senator Gary Peters, have expressed ongoing concerns about additional changes and are pushing for a comprehensive study to ensure any changes do not impact mail delivery.
