[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 141 (Friday, August 7, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E731]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021

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                               speech of

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 30, 2020

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of my amendment to 
encourage the United States Postal Service Inspector General to 
investigate and take corrective action on serious mail delivery 
problems in Chicago.
  For the last several years, I have heard frustrating stories from my 
constituents about serious deficiencies in mail delivery. These 
breakdowns in mail service are particularly bad in the Mt. Greenwood 
neighborhood in Chicago, but are also present in Beverly, Morgan Park, 
and Scottsdale. Many constituents have reported that they have gone 
days without receiving their mail, and that they have been treated 
disrespectfully when visiting the post office to inquire about their 
mail. These problems have not been rectified despite a town hall 
meeting I organized with USPS officials last year, and other follow on 
efforts.
  While COVID-19 is undoubtedly a burden on USPS operations, the 
problems in my community have been ongoing for years. Additionally, 
recent media reports have indicated that poor mail delivery is not 
isolated within my district, but instead has impacted much of Chicago.
  In these challenging times, reliable mail and package delivery is 
critical for our communities to function. Constituents may be expecting 
tax refunds, stimulus payments, prescription drugs, and forms for 
unemployment insurance and other assistance programs, just to name a 
few essential items that arrive by mail.
  My amendment directs the USPS Inspector General to conduct an 
independent investigation since USPS has been unresponsive to my 
constituents' concerns. It's well past time to take action to improve 
mail delivery in my district and in Chicago once and for all. USPS 
leadership must improve service across Chicago to restore public trust 
in the institution and ensure that essential items arrive on time.

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