WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Susan Collins, R-Me., Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, made the following statement regarding tonight’s announced resignation of Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer John E. Potter, who was named the 72nd postmaster general of the United States on June 1, 2001:
"Serving 32 years in the Postal Service, including more than nine as Postmaster General, Mr. Potter was dedicated to the Postal Service. During his tenure, Mr. Potter led the Postal Service through some of its most trying times and often had to make difficult decisions.
"The next Postmaster General must strengthen the Postal Service by cutting costs, enticing more customers, and putting this vital institution on a sound financial footing."
The Senate confirms members of the Board of Governors, who in turn appoint the Postmaster General. Senator Collins’ committee has oversight jurisdiction of the U.S. Postal Service.