On Tuesday, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) called for the resignation of U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy as concerns over operational changes and intentional delays in postal deliveries across Iowa’s Third Congressional District continue to reach her office.
“Over the past month, I’ve heard increasing concerns from Iowans about the operational changes being made at the Post Office that could jeopardize their health, financial well-being, and democratic rights,” said Rep. Axne. “Amid growing proof that these delays are being done intentionally to deny citizens their right to safely vote this fall, I believe the first step toward repairing the Postal Service is the resignation of Louis DeJoy. While additional funding and operational changes are still necessary to solve this crisis, I have no faith that the current Postal Service leadership can be trusted to undo the damage done.”
“Countless communities in Iowa’s Third District, like many rural areas across our country, rely heavily on the Postal Service for their needs. Intentionally obstructing the right to vote is already illegal, but disenfranchising Iowans in a way that will also put the health and security of my constituents at risk is abhorrent and unacceptable,” continued Rep. Axne.
In a virtual press conference earlier today, Rep. Axne shared that she and her team have heard from concerned Iowans across Iowa’s Third Congressional District about the impact slowed mail deliveries has on their ability to receive time-sensitive deliveries like prescription medications, paychecks and benefits like Social Security, and other important documents like absentee ballots or utility bills.
Rep. Axne has written to Postmaster General DeJoy twice in the past two weeks expressing concerns over the reported operational changes and the impacts delays could have on her constituents.
On August 6th, Rep. Axne joined over 80 of her House colleagues to seek accountability from the Postal Service for the operational changes, and urged a Congressional briefing to provide explanation for these changes.
On August 12th, Rep. Axne and 191 other members of the House of Representatives wrote to the Postmaster General expressing further concerns as reports of mail delays continued to grow across the U.S.