Tester introduces bill to protect rural postal service
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
3 of 3 free articles.
News from the office of Senator Tester
U.S. SENATE — In response to the United States Postal Service (USPS) finalizing the decision to relocate Missoula’s Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) outgoing processing operations to Spokane, Washington, on May 2, U.S. Senator Jon Tester introduced his Protecting Access to Rural Carriers for Every Location (PARCEL) Act – legislation to prohibit unnecessary and harmful consolidation of mail processing operations nationwide.
“The Postal Service is critical to Montana’s small businesses, seniors and veterans – and shortsighted decisions like relocating Missoula’s outgoing mail processing operations out-of-state won’t work for folks in rural America,” said Tester. “USPS leadership has failed to listen to the people of Montana time and time again, and it’s time to put a stop to their attack on service in rural America. Our bipartisan legislation will bring full operations back to Missoula and ensure that Postmaster DeJoy won’t be able to strip rural America of reliable service without public approval and legitimate justification ever again.”
Tester’s legislation would prohibit the consolidation of mail processing operations unless it meets the three criteria below:
— Does not result in processing operations being relocated outside of state boundaries or harming local mail delivery.
— A geographical review is completed, particularly examining mountain passes and the implications of moving operations.
— Public input reflects favorably on the decision to move operations.
