[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 29, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1165-E1166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           INTRODUCTION OF THE POSTAL INNOVATION ACT OF 2015

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 2015

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, the United States Postal Service (USPS) 
provides universal connectivity all across the country and a low cost 
delivery service that not just individual families rely on, but 
businesses of all sizes.
  However, the Postal Service faces growing financial problems 
attributable to burdensome mandates in existing law and the continued 
decline in mail service volumes. As a result, the Postal Service is 
hard-pressed to identify cost-saving initiatives that can alleviate 
their financial woes while at the same time maintaining their high 
quality of service.
  That is why I have introduced the Postal Innovation Act of 2015, 
which will authorize the Postal Service to take simple, common-sense 
steps towards modernization such as updating its fleet of vehicles to 
align with updated environmental and safety standards, and broadening 
its services to reflect the evolving demands of today's consumers.
  The Postal Service must be given the flexibility to innovate and 
provide its customers modern services. By offering basic financial 
services, internet connectivity, and the ability to ship beer, wine, 
and spirits, this Act will allow the Postal Service to not only raise 
revenue, but remain a cornerstone of American communities.

[[Page E1166]]

  In addition to raising revenue and increasing services to meet 
consumer demands, upgrading to energy efficient technology can reduce 
the postal fleet's carbon emissions while simultaneously cutting costs. 
This is critical because the federal government ought to lead by 
example, not lag decades behind. Further, implementing cutting-edge 
active safety and crash avoidance technology across the postal fleet 
will make streets safer for all users in every community in America.
  The Postal Service is a vast and sprawling enterprise that touches 
almost every household six days a week. We will all benefit from 
preserving and improving this vital piece of America's infrastructure 
and fabric of life.

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