My Letter to Congress: S.1507 Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Funding Reform Act of 2009

I am writing as your constituent in the 3rd Congressional district of Michigan. I'm tracking S.1507 - Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Funding Reform Act of 2009 using OpenCongress.org, the free public resource website for government transparency and accountability.

Sincerely,
ashton-

Sincerely,
ashton-thomas

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Dear Mrs. Ashton-thomas:

Thank you for contacting me about the United States Postal Service (USPS). I am glad you shared your views with me.

The USPS currently has an operating deficit and has proposed a variety of solutions in an attempt to reduce costs. Last Congress, the House of Representatives passed legislation (H.R.22) intended to address myriad problems with USPS' operations, including the requirement to pre-fund health care obligations. This bill was subsequently sent to the Senate, where it was referred to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), of which I am a senior member. Similar legislation (S.1507) was favorably reported out of the HSGAC on July 30, 2009. Although I had concerns about S.1507, I supported its passage in committee with the intent of amending it during its consideration by the full Senate.

Unfortunately, the full Senate did not consider S.1507 or any other legislative efforts to reform the USPS during the last Congress. However, the HSGAC, which has legislative jurisdiction over the USPS, is currently working on new legislation intended to address the USPS' financial problems through much-needed reforms. As the committee explores effective and equitable ways to address these fiscal issues, I will be sure to keep your views in mind.

Thank you again for contacting me.

Sincerely,
Carl Levin

Dear Mrs. Ashton-thomas:

Each of us will forever remember the morning of September 11, 2001.
To commemorate the heroism and resolve that was displayed in the face such
a hate-inspired event, I would like to share with you my statement today on
the ten year anniversary of 9-11.

“Ten years ago today, mindless hatred took the lives of
thousands of our
fellow citizens. But if the terrorists who struck us that day
thought they would
defeat us, the decade since has shown how badly mistaken they
were. The
attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, were a terrible blow. But they could
not and did not
overcome America’s courage, confidence, optimism and essential
decency.

“This is a day to remember the lives lost on 9/11 and the loved
ones who still
mourn, and to remember the thousands of brave Americans who
have sacrificed
so much to defend us since that terrible day, especially those
who have given ‘the
last full measure of devotion’ to the nation that we all hold
so dear.”

As we each commemorate this event in our own way, let us remember how
we came together as a nation on that day, and in the ensuing weeks and
months, to aid one another and to address this grave threat.

Sincerely,
Carl Levin

Dear Mrs. Ashton-thomas:

I thought you would be interested to know that earlier today, the
Senate passed the 21st Century Postal Service Act (S.1789) with my support.
This bill seeks to reform the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) while protecting
the interests of local communities. The Postal Service faces a staggering
financial burden, and it must make changes to account for a landscape in
which physical mail has in many cases been replaced by electronic
communication.

Although many advocated for the across-the-board closures of
thousands of post offices and processing centers, I believe we must ensure
that in making changes, any reduction in facilities and personnel yields
real cost savings for the USPS that outweigh the loss in service. One of
the things we can do to assure that is to require that there be a real,
objective way to test and challenge USPS proposals to close facilities. In
an effort to meet those goals, I joined with Senators Tester (D-MT) and
Franken (D-MN) to propose an amendment that provides a meaningful appeal
process regarding USPS proposals to close post offices and postal
processing facilities, and requires that USPS show substantial economic
savings before allowing a closing. I was pleased that my amendment was
adopted by voice vote.

Postal reform is among the most significant issues we will consider
this year. It touches every town and village, every person and every
business across our nation. I recognize the need to reform the Postal
Service and find efficiencies so that it can continue to serve all
Americans. But we must do it the right way to ensure that any changes we
make put the Postal Service on a sound financial footing and balance the
need for savings with the need to maintain service for all people and in
every community across the nation.

If you would like to learn more about this bill, you can read my full
floor statement here.

Sincerely,
Carl Levin

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