SC Alaska News

U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Gary Peters have introduced a resolution to support the United States Postal Service's independence and public service mission. The resolution highlights the Postal Service's essential role in connecting and serving Americans, particularly in rural areas. Sullivan, a Republican from Alaska, emphasized the importance of the Postal Service in his state, where many communities are accessible only by air or water. He noted the Bypass Mail program as a crucial part of the USPS's service, "I will forcefully oppose any action that threatens that program."

Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, a co-sponsor, reiterated the USPS's significance, especially in areas without reliable internet access, stating, "I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution again to reaffirm the significance of the United States Postal Service as an independent establishment of the Federal Government and to reject its privatization." Senator Peters echoed these sentiments, underscoring the risk privatization poses to affordable, universal mail service.

Chris Crutchfield, Alaska State Chair for the National Association of Letter Carriers, expressed support, saying, "The privatization of the United States Postal Service would be devastating to Alaskans not only in remote communities, but throughout the state."

The resolution calls on Congress to ensure the Postal Service remains independent and not privatized. It acknowledges the USPS's role in the $1.9 trillion mailing industry and its self-sustaining nature, operating without taxpayer funds while providing a critical service to diverse communities.