[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 101 (Tuesday, June 20, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1296]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   EIGHTY-ONE PERCENT OVERNIGHT ON-TIME DELIVERY MAIL SERVICE IN THE 
                                DISTRICT

                                 ______


                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 20, 1995
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to take note of the significant 
improvement in the performance of the Postal Service in the District of 
Columbia. In just over 1 year, under prodding from the Congress, the 
Postal Service has taken a new direction with a pay back for postal 
customers in the District of Columbia. The most recent performance 
figures show that local, on-time delivery performance is now at 81 
percent--up from 69 percent this time last year.
  This is a clear demonstration that the Postal Service can do the job 
if we keep on its case. Last year, when we became aware of problems 
effecting mail service in the metropolitan region, I indicated that our 
last place finish would not be tolerated. In addition to residents' 
mail, the most important mail in the country and the world passes 
through the Washington, DC Post Office. The Postal Service apparently 
heard us--at a town meeting I convened in the District and through our 
many hearings that brought out the details of delivery problems here in 
the District.
  Since I began monitoring local mail service closely over the past 
year, I am encouraged that performance has been steadily rising 
throughout this period. The Postal Service's investment in providing 
the type of service required in the world's most important city is 
finally paying off. New technologies, new employees, and a renewed 
commitment to customer service are making the difference, just as they 
are showing us what Government can do when it places its customers 
first. Not only has service in the District of Columbia improved, but 
nationally, on-time delivery has reached the highest level ever.
  A few months ago, I walked a delivery route with a letter carrier 
here in the District of Columbia. I learned first hand of the pride 
many postal employees take in serving their customers. There is a 
fragile bond between the customer and the service provider. I am 
pleased that the Postal Service recognizes the very real need to 
maintain and strengthen this bond.
  I will continue to monitor the progress of the Postal Service and 
make monthly reports to District constituents in my column ``Notes from 
Congress'' in community papers. As shown by the good news of the most 
recent figures, monitoring and pressure from House Members has been 
among the most important factors influencing the improvements in 
service. Now is no time to let up the pressure. D.C. needs to do more 
than improve markedly, as we have. We must shoot for the top--and we 
will.


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