WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, today convened a full committee hearing to consider the nominations of Derek Kan and Daniel Tangherlini to serve on the United States Postal Service Board of Governors. During the hearing, Peters discussed how the Postal Service plays a critical role in the lives of countless Americans, including veterans, businesses owners, rural residents, seniors, and underserved communities. Peters also discussed the need for qualified leadership at the Postal Service that will support its dedicated workforce, focus on reliable mail delivery, and maintain the Postal Service’s public service mission to deliver to every community. Peters also highlighted passage of his historic, bipartisan legislation to set the Postal Service on a more sustainable financial footing and support the goal of providing long-term reliable service across the country. The bill, which passed both the House and the Senate with significant bipartisan support, will soon be signed into law by the President.
“The United States Postal Service Board of Governors plays an essential role in the Postal Service’s future. As the governing body for the Postal Service, they oversee its operational strategy to ensure the Postal Service continues on a good path, both financially, and by providing reliable service to its customer,” said Peters during his opening statement. “To be successful, the Board must have qualified leaders who can govern, conduct oversight of Postal Service management, and work with lawmakers to ensure our postal workforce has the right support to deliver for the American people each and every day.”
To watch video of Senator Peters’ opening remarks, click here. For text of Peters’ opening remarks, as prepared, click here.
To watch video of Senator Peters’ question, click here.
At the hearing, Peters and the nominees discussed how the Board can work with Congress to ensure effective implementation of the Postal Service Reform Act, once it is signed into law, so that its benefits to the public and financial benefits to the Postal Service can be fully realized. Peters also raised the need for Postal Service Governors to work independently to ensure the Postal Service is providing timely mail delivery for communities across the nation. Finally, Peters questioned the nominees on efforts to modernize the Postal Service’s fleet of vehicles, including by investing in as many electric vehicles as possible to make sure the Postal Service is maximizing long term efficiency and savings.
Peters has fought to protect the Postal Service and its 245-year tradition of mail delivery. In addition leading a historic postal reform bill, in 2020, Peters championed legislation to secure a $10 billion direct payment to the Postal Service to help recover from pandemic-related losses. He also conducted an investigation into operational changes at the Postal Service in 2020 that resulted in significant delays. Following Peters’ investigation, the Postal Service reversed many of these changes and service has significantly improved.
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