[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 60 (Saturday, April 12, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E769]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION REQUIRING DOOR-TO-DOOR DELIVERY SERVICE FOR 
                                SENIORS

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                            HON. JIM SAXTON

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 11, 2003

  Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation that 
would require door-to-door delivery service for senior citizens.
  Over the years, I have been contacted by many seniors who live in 
adult-restricted communities and receive their mail in ``cluster'' 
mailboxes. This means that their mail is delivered to one central 
location instead of being placed in a mailbox at their own doorstep. 
With this type of mail delivery, seniors are forced to endure steps, 
curbs, bad weather, and moving cars in order to pick up their mail. 
Under these circumstances, something as simple as receiving mail can be 
one of the most inconvenient and dangerous daily tasks for those who 
are elderly.
  Therefore, I am introducing this legislation to require the U.S. 
Postal Service to make door-to-door deliveries in senior housing areas. 
Under this bill, 80 percent of the residents in a community must be 55 
and older in order to qualify to receive this service. Door-to-door 
deliveries would begin six months after enactment. Also, the bill 
clarifies that senior apartment buildings are specifically excluded 
from this bill.
  It is imperative that we help our seniors receive their mail without 
putting their lives in danger, and I hope my colleagues will join me in 
supporting this important bill.

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