CBS19: Spanberger calls for answers on continuing USPS issues

CBS19

Virginians are still raising concerns about mail delivery issues, and one of the Commonwealth’s members of Congress wants answers.

On Friday, Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger pressed Postmaster General Louis DeJoy about the issues.

According to a release, her letter focused on ongoing delays and disruptions at the Richmond Regional Processing and Distribution Center in Sandston, which also serves most of the greater Charlottesville area.

Spanberger has repeatedly relaunched an online survey concerning the U.S. Postal Service.

Since doing so last month, her office has received more than 1,800 responses.

“Over the past month, I have heard from more than 1,800 Virginians who continue to experience unacceptable service from USPS. Virginians have reported not only delayed delivery of important bills and medications, but mail that has gone missing altogether, without any possibility to track it, or any recourse from USPS despite filing reports,” said Spanberger. “These service issues have gone far beyond basic inconveniences to imposing harmful consequences on Virginians’ health, finances, and lives.”

Spanberger says she relaunched the survey following a USPS Office of Inspector General audit of the Sandston facility that assessed its effectiveness and operational impacts.

That audit pointed out a variety of issues, such as synchronization between machines at the facility and the schedule of tracks transporting mail to and from the facility as well as cost concerns.

The release says Spanberger’s letter covers reports of mail delays, incorrect deliveries, missing mail, and problems filing missing mail reports.

The problems with mail were also talked about during Spanberger’s latest telephone town hall, which more than 3,200 people joined on Thursday.

“I am so grateful to have opportunities like last night’s town hall to directly connect with residents of Virginia’s Seventh District, without them having to leave the comfort of their homes. These conversations help me advocate on behalf of the Virginians I serve, and I always enjoy answering their questions and hearing the input they have for me,” said Spanberger. “Thank you to the thousands of Virginians who tuned in and all those who shared their thoughts, ideas, and concerns last night. I encourage anyone who was unable to ask a question to please reach out to my office, and I look forward to continuing these conversations into the future.”

Other topics at the town hall included the immigration system, the cost of prescription drugs, medication shortages, support for military families and veterans, and more.

Spanberger’s letter to DeJoy can be read here. To watch video from the telephone town hall, click here.