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DelBene, Larsen Call for Answers Around Persistent Postal Delays, Workforce Shortages in Northwest Washington

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 13, 2023

This week, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Rick Larsen (WA-02) called for answers about persistent mail delays reported to both offices in Northwest Washington during the December holiday period. In a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, DelBene and Larsen called for the United States Postal Service (USPS) to expeditiously address delays and mail failures. The lawmakers had previously written to DeJoy in July about widespread mail delays in the region.  

“Following our July letter, we continued to receive regular reports of delayed mail across the region. Starting in mid December, we increasingly heard a number of constituent complaints of  significant daily mail delivery delays and complete lack of service in parts of Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden and other areas of Whatcom County,” the lawmakers wrote. “While brief delays due to weather and the busy holiday period are understandable, many constituents reported no mail delivery for over a week.”  

DelBene and Larsen also emphasized their concerns about hiring challenges USPS is experiencing statewide. 

“In our July letter, we requested updates on USPS’s efforts to increase staffing amid severe workforce shortages,” they continued. “Though we appreciate the steps you outlined to us and subsequent actions USPS has taken to increase hiring in Northwest Washington, including local hiring days and a statewide hiring fair in December, these efforts are clearly insufficient as delays in mail delivery continue.”  

The lawmakers asked DeJoy to promptly address the following concerns: 

  • Can you provide a detailed list of all steps USPS is taking to ensure timely mail delivery during periods of high mail volume, including the December holiday period?  

  • What is the specific USPS policy under which USPS employees are required to prioritize package delivery over letters, flats, and other classes of mail? 

  • What steps is USPS taking to improve communication with constituents impacted by mail delivery delays? 

  • What steps is USPS taking to address its workforce shortage, both in terms of hiring new employees and improving retention of current employees? 

  • What training and resources are provided to new employees, and how are supervisors trained to help new employees?

  • How is USPS training supervisors to manage busy mail periods and support employees?  

  • What additional resources can Congress provide to help USPS address these issues? 

Read the full letter here.  

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