The oversight watchdog of the Postal Service asked lawmakers on Capitol Hill to clearly define its universal service obligation, which mandates that it affordably deliver mail to every citizen, as the regulator looks to further cut the agency’s costs.Acting Postal Regulatory Commission Chairman Robert Taub testified before a House oversight subcommittee on Thursday, urging the body to clarify the Postal Service’s operating requirements as it seeks to cut down on as many costs as possible for the financially struggling USPS. But Staub also painted a much rosier picture of the agency than what USPS leaders have said publicly.“The singular action the commission believes is critical that Congress enact: define the universal service obligation,” Taub said. “Clearly defining the USO means describing what the country needs from our Postal Service and setting up a system to fully pay for it.”
Pundits and leaders in the Postal Service have called for greater clarification from Congress on what its daily operating expenditures should be, citing that redefining the universal service obligation framework could bring in more revenue for the agency or enable necessary funding reforms. Taub gave some examples of “tough questions” that Congress should reconsider, which could heavily reshape the Postal Service’s operations.
