Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2021

Floor Speech

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Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of my amendment to encourage the United States Postal Service Inspector General to investigate and take corrective action on serious mail delivery problems in Chicago.

For the last several years, I have heard frustrating stories from my constituents about serious deficiencies in mail delivery. These breakdowns in mail service are particularly bad in the Mt. Greenwood neighborhood in Chicago, but are also present in Beverly, Morgan Park, and Scottsdale. Many constituents have reported that they have gone days without receiving their mail, and that they have been treated disrespectfully when visiting the post office to inquire about their mail. These problems have not been rectified despite a town hall meeting I organized with USPS officials last year, and other follow on efforts.

While COVID-19 is undoubtedly a burden on USPS operations, the problems in my community have been ongoing for years. Additionally, recent media reports have indicated that poor mail delivery is not isolated within my district, but instead has impacted much of Chicago.

In these challenging times, reliable mail and package delivery is critical for our communities to function. Constituents may be expecting tax refunds, stimulus payments, prescription drugs, and forms for unemployment insurance and other assistance programs, just to name a few essential items that arrive by mail.

My amendment directs the USPS Inspector General to conduct an independent investigation since USPS has been unresponsive to my constituents' concerns. It's well past time to take action to improve mail delivery in my district and in Chicago once and for all. USPS leadership must improve service across Chicago to restore public trust in the institution and ensure that essential items arrive on time.

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