Rep. Chu Voices Caution on Postmaster General’s Assurances

U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Pasadena) cast doubt on Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s claim that he would cease all changes to the U.S. Postal Service until after Election Day, Nov. 3.

Chu, speaking on the steps of the U.S. Post Office building on Colorado Boulevard Tuesday afternoon, said, “They’re only doing this because the American people have been so vocal in pushing back. We made it literally too hot to handle.”

Chu’s statements come in the aftermath of claims by president Donald Trump that mail-in voting would lead to massive voter fraud in this year’s election. Trump threatened not to fund the postal service leading to concerns he was attempting to suppress the vote.

DeJoy was a major donor and fundraiser for Trump. In April 2017, DeJoy was named one of three deputy finance chairmen of the Republican National Committee.

Dejoy said in his announcement that, “The United States Postal Service will play a critical role this year in delivering election mail for millions of voters across the country.”

Responding to criticisms of recent changes in the mail service which have slowed down everyday deliveries, DeJoy said, “There has been a lot of discussion recently about whether the Postal Service is ready, willing and able to meet this challenge.”

Dejoy continued, “I am announcing today the expansion of our current leadership task force on election mail to enhance our ongoing work and partnership with state and local election officials in jurisdictions throughout the country. Leaders of our postal unions and management associations have committed to joining this task force to ensure strong coordination throughout our organization.”

Dejoy added in his statement that:

• Retail hours at Post Offices will not change.
• Mail processing equipment and blue collection boxes will remain where they are.
• No mail processing facilities will be closed.
• And overtime has and will continue to be approved as needed.

Because of the unprecedented demands of the 2020 election, DeJoy added, “this task force will help ensure that election officials and voters are well-informed and fully supported by the Postal Service.”

Said Dejoy, “The Postal Service is ready today to handle whatever volume of election mail it receives this fall. Even with the challenges of keeping our employees and customers safe and healthy as they operate amid a pandemic, we will deliver the nation’s election mail on time and within our well-established service standards. The American public should know that this is our number one priority between now and Election Day.”

But, Chu countered, “We cannot let up because the president’s threats against the Post Office are so grave and so serious. This president, as you know, can change his mind, in a split second, and he is so desperate to win his re-election that we cannot stop our advocacy.”

Asked if any of the recent changes would be rolled back in light of today’s announcement, Chu responded, “Mr. Dejoy said that all of the changes would be rolled back until after the election, but we sure have to keep a close eye on it, because we don’t know if they will keep to what they’re saying. That’s one thing that’s really important.”

Chu added, “We have to keep this up because not only was there a threat to our American democracy with this upcoming critical election, but there is a threat to American life, the ability to get your prescription drugs, your social security checks, the ability to pay your bills, all of those things are in jeopardy. We need to make sure that the Postal Service is made whole so that the American people can be assured of their quality of life.”