By Ron Wyden
Dear Ms. Haddon
Thank you for contacting me regarding the recent plan to close postal distribution centers in parts of rural Oregon. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.
Oregonians rely on the Postal Service for life-saving medications and time-sensitive documents and correspondence. This is especially true in rural parts of Oregon. Post offices, and the services they provide, are vital to the economic health of rural communities. They also add tremendous value to Oregon’s commerce and are often a center of civic life in rural parts of the state. As a vote-by-mail state, a fully operating Postal Service is at the core of Oregon’s democratic process.
Unfortunately, it seems that Postmaster DeJoy does not see the Postal Service as the vital service that it is. Time and time again he has expressed a willingness to throw postal workers under the bus and jeopardize service to rural areas. He has even said he plans to cut as many as 50,000 jobs and consolidate delivery centers, which disproportionately impacts rural delivery.
I have joined colleagues in condemning Postmaster DeJoy for his inaction on ongoing staffing shortages and hiring issues. I have also joined Senator Merkley in asking the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government to prevent the downsizing of distribution facilities in rural Oregon. Please rest assured that I’ll continue to do everything in my power to ensure the Postal Service continues to serve all Oregonians for years to come, especially those in rural communities of Oregon.
Again, thank you for keeping me apprised of the issues that are important to you. If I may be of further assistance to you in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Ron Wyden
United States Senator