WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following reaction to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit exigent ruling:
“It’s no secret that the U.S. Postal Service continues to face serious financial challenges that threaten its future and long-term growth. Nearly two years ago, the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) put into place a temporary emergency surcharge on postal rates to help the Postal Service make ends meet. Since then, this increase in rates has served as a life preserver for the struggling Postal Service and has helped the institution keep its head above water as it continues to lose money. I agree with today’s decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to remand the rate determination to the PRC, and call on the body to reexamine how the emergency rate was calculated. Regardless of what the PRC ultimately decides, piecemeal efforts like this, while helpful, are not enough on their own to fundamentally fix the Postal Service’s severe financial problems. I believe the best way to help the Postal Service gain a sustainable financial footing is through comprehensive postal reform legislation. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress, the Administration, and stakeholders to fix the serious, but solvable challenges facing the Postal Service.”
Last Congress, Sen. Carper and Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) introduced the Postal Reform Act of 2014, which would have kept the emergency rate permanent in recognition of the continuing financial challenges the Postal Service faces.