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Sarbanes Backs Effort to Curb Political Influence and Interference at the U.S. Postal Service

August 28, 2020

The Nonpartisan Postmaster General Act Would Prohibit the Postmaster General and the USPS Board of Governors from Holding Political Positions While Serving in Office

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today co-sponsored the Nonpartisan Postmaster General Act, a bill to prevent the Trump Administration and future Administrations from politicizing the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).

"The United States Postal Service should serve the American people, not the President's personal or political interests," said Congressman Sarbanes, who has led efforts in Congress to clean up corruption in Washington and long supported the USPS. "This new legislation will help ensure that the USPS remains an independent, nonpartisan public service – for the people."

Recent testimony from Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, and from Postal Service Board of Governors Chairman Robert M. Duncan, has confirmed reports that the Trump Administration sought to install campaign donors and political operatives in powerful positions at the USPS. Both Postmaster General DeJoy and Chairman Duncan have engaged in partisan activities – past and present – including extensive campaign fundraising and making political donations to Republican candidates and causes.

The Nonpartisan Postmaster General Act would prohibit the Postal Service Board of Governors, the Postmaster General and the Deputy Postmaster General from holding any political position while serving in office at the USPS.

The bill would also prevent the President from nominating a Postmaster General or a Deputy Postmaster General who has engaged in political activities during the four years prior to their appointments. This provision would help ensure that USPS leaders are qualified experts, not political operatives.

See here for more information about the bill.

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