Hawkeye Reporter

Senator Chuck Grassley has written to the United States Postal Service (USPS) Board of Governors, raising concerns about service reliability and financial sustainability following feedback from Iowans across the state. The outreach comes as David Steiner is set to become the new Postmaster General in July.

Grassley stated, “I often hear from postal customers that they are facing issues with sending and receiving their mail in a timely and reliable manner. In addition, businesses that utilize the postal service for the delivery of market dominant products are facing postage rate price hikes that are impacting business operations and causing companies to decrease mailing volume.”

Residents have reported problems such as late deliveries of bills and checks, missing mail, longer pickup times, and increased postage rates exceeding 50 percent. Businesses also cited poor package handling and planning issues affecting shipping demand.

“Delivering to every corner of the United States is no small feat, and I applaud the dedicated postal workers that serve their communities daily and USPS for the successes of decreasing its projected losses. That said, USPS must not let the quality of its service decline as reforms to achieve stronger financial footing are considered and implemented,” Grassley continued.

Grassley emphasized that while USPS has managed to reduce some projected losses, it should maintain service quality during ongoing reforms aimed at achieving financial stability. He encouraged innovative strategies for right-sizing operations and flexibility if certain reforms do not yield results.

He also noted that unlike most federal agencies, USPS operates without congressional appropriations, relying instead on revenue from postage sales, packages, and shipping services. This self-financing model has faced pressure due to declining first-class mail volumes over many years.

Previous administrations along with lawmakers have recommended operational reforms intended to help USPS modernize while maintaining universal service commitments.

In his letter addressed to Amber F. McReynolds, Chair of the Board of Governors at USPS, Grassley wrote: “As the United States Postal Service (USPS) approaches 250 years of its establishment as an institution that serves the American people, I write to you with skepticism that the institution is delivering on its mission. I often hear from postal customers that they are facing issues with sending and receiving their mail in a timely and reliable manner. In addition, businesses that utilize the postal service for the delivery of market dominant products are facing postage rate price hikes that are impacting business operations and causing companies to decrease mailing volume.”

He added: “I have been a partner of the USPS to ensure that it remains self-sufficient and, as advised by USPS, direct Iowans to the proper channels to seek remedies for the problems they face. Though, the persistence of issues with USPS’s services remains. For example, so far in 2025, no fewer than two dozen Iowans have contacted me outlining the challenges they are having with bills and checks being delivered on time, mail missing, and increased duration of mail pickup and delivery times. These issues are not location specific and span across every congressional district in Iowa. Additionally, I have heard from businesses about difficulties in maintaining mail volumes given the dramatic rate increases of more than 50% on USPS market dominant products or that there is poor handling of packages and improper planning to satisfy shipping demand. Further changes to rural delivery are impacting postal workers and customers alike.”

Grassley also referenced resistance within Congress regarding changes at USPS but argued current reform efforts under initiatives like “Delivering for America Plan” have yet to balance self-sufficiency with quality service.

He concluded: “I recognize the challenges USPS faces... The need for innovation is apparent... The long-term viability of USPS ought to be the focus so the institution remains to serve American people for another 250 plus years... As [USPS] awaits Mr. David Steiner as new Postmaster General; I strongly encourage you...to be innovative in approaches...as well as flexible when reforms are not working.”

The full text of Grassley's letter can be found through official Senate channels.