I am writing to encourage The Columbian and its readers to support several pieces of legislation that have recently been introduced in the House and Senate to address U.S. Postal Service budgetary problems. House Resolution 630, Postal Service Protection Act of 2013, was introduced by Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., and S.316 companion bill in the Senate by Bernie Sanders, R-Vt., and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore.
These bills seem to make common sense recommendations, including a crucial change in funding future benefits. As I understand it, currently the USPS is required to make payments over the next five years in order to fund benefits for 75 years, which no other federal agency or private business does. This, rather than simply the costs of delivery service, is a significant factor in the USPS budget problems. So I am writing to suggest that voters contact their representatives and encourage them to vote for this legislation.