House Committee Requests Hearing With New Postmaster General To Address Mail Delays

TOPLINE

Amid an intensifying national debate on the potential expansion of mail-in voting in the 2020 presidential election, the House Oversight and Reform Committee has formally requested the newly-appointed postmaster general to testify at a hearing next month examining recent changes to U.S. Postal Service operations and “the need for on-time mail delivery during the ongoing pandemic and upcoming election.”

KEY FACTS

Key Background:

In addition to the $1.2 million he contributed to the Trump campaign, DeJoy has given millions more to Republican Party organizations and candidates, according to the Federal Election Commission. His appointment to postmaster general earlier this year provoked a prompt backlash from Democrats. “The idea that we would appoint and accept the appointment of a partisan political donor with no credentials … is reckless and irresponsible … and a stick in the eye by Trump to a service Americans count on every day,” Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va) told NPR.

Tangent:

On Sunday, the Nevada legislature, citing health concerns arising from the coronavirus, approved a bill that would automatically send mail-in ballots to all voters in the state. Trump characterized the legislation as “an illegal late-night coup” that would make it “impossible for Republicans to win the state.” He also threatened legal action to prevent Nevada from becoming the eighth state planning to send voters mail-in ballots.

Crucial Quote: 

“While these changes in a normal year would be drastic, in a presidential election year when many states are relying heavily on absentee mail-in ballots, increases in mail delivery timing would impair the ability of ballots to be received and counted in a timely manner—an unacceptable outcome for a free and fair election,” read the Committee on Oversight and Reform letter to DeJoy. 

Big Number:

$25 billion: According to the Washington Post, bills approved by the Democratic-controlled House would set aside $25 billion for the Postal Service, but they remain stalled in the Republican-controlled Senate. 

Further Reading:

Trump Calls Nevada’s Proposed Expansion Of Mail-In Voting A’ Coup,’ Threatens Lawsuit (Forbes)

Pending Postal Service Changes Could Delay Mail And Deliveries, Advocates Warn (NPR) 

House panel calls new postal chief to explain mail delays (Washington Post) 

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