02.17.21

Hoeven Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Ease USPS Financial Issues, Free Up Capital to Improve Mail Service

Bill Would Remove Requirement that USPS Pre-Fund Retiree Health Benefits

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced that he has again cosponsored the USPS Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) to ease financial strains on the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) by repealing the requirement that the USPS pre-fund its employees retirement health benefits. The USPS is the only federal agency subject to this mandate, which was put into place in 2006. The bill would remove this financial burden, freeing up capital for the USPS to invest in improving its operations, without altering the USPS’s retiree health benefits. Hoeven also cosponsored this legislation in the 116th Congress.

“The USPS provides a critically-needed service in our nation, especially in rural America,” Hoeven said. “That’s why we’ve worked to ensure quality, reliable mail service, having repeatedly pressed USPS leadership to make needed investments in their facilities and personnel. The USPS Fairness Act is an important part of our broader efforts, as it will remove the financially burdensome pre-funding requirement that is unique to the USPS, and free up significant resources, enabling the agency to improve its operations and meet the needs of families and businesses across our state and nation.

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