Washington, DC-Today, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, released a statement in response to the United States Postal Service’s Board of Governors announcement of its approved rate increase for market-dominant mail products slated to begin in January 2014. In addition to the annual increase, the Board approved an exigent rate request to the Postal Regulatory Commission for an additional rate increase above the CPI-cap on all market-dominant products. If enacted by the Commission, the total rate increase would generate approximately $2 billion annually in additional revenue for the Postal Service.
“The Postal Service Board of Governors’ decision to file an exigent rate case with the Postal Regulatory Commission reflects the tough financial choices the Postal Service is facing. The Postal Service cannot solve its problems only by reducing operating costs or increasing prices. It is Congress’ responsibility to put the Postal Service back on the path to solvency by passing a comprehensive reform bill that encourages innovation and new product development. "
