From  the National Association of Postmasters of the United States

President Bob Rapoza addressed NAPUS members Monday morning, March 18, during the Leadership Conference’s general business session. He pointed out this is his fourth and final year as NAPUS national president.

He acknowledged that issues he has been dealing with since last year have been very frustrating; these issues still remain this year: consolidations, DUOs and POStPlan, to name a few. And there still exists a divided Congress—as long as it remains divided, these and more issues will continue to come NAPUS’s way.

“We need to stress to our congressional representatives to come together and pass meaningful postal reform this year,” he urged. He told Postmasters when they visit Capitol Hill, they need to let their lawmakers know how frustrated they are with the inaction of Congress. “That’s the message you need to take to Capitol Hill,” he said, “and that’s the message I gave them during my testimony in front of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.”

Rapoza said kicking this can down the road has damaged Congress’ image. Postmasters and the communities they serve have made painful sacrifices with the implementation of POStPlan, the reduction of full-time Postmaster positions and the reduction of hours at more than 13,000 post offices, the majority in rural areas.

In his testimony, Rapoza warned that, if Congress chooses to do nothing to resolve its fundamental differences, the integrity of our nation’s universal postal system will be irrevocably compromised “This week,” he stressed, “we must deliver this same message on the Hill.”

Congressional lawmakers must be reminded Postmasters and the communities they serve have made compromises. Congress must do the same: settle their differences. “Get out of the way and let us serve the American public,” he said.

Postmasters always have been the ambassadors of the Postal Service and NAPUS has been in the forefront of representing NAPUS’ best interest. “On our watch,” he vowed, “NAPUS and the Postal Service will not go away.”

Read more NAPUS’ Message to Congress: ‘Get Out of the Way and Let Us Serve the Public’