WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today announced the initial results of her relaunched constituent survey focused on the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and mail and delivery service delays.

Since Tuesday, February 23, Spanberger’s office has received more than 3,700 individual responses from Virginians highlighting significant delays in deliveries and shipments of cell phone bills, tax documents, orders for small businesses, prescription drugs, and more.

Last week, Spanberger relaunched her survey to gather information from Central Virginians about any mail delivery delays they are experiencing and their concerns about the future of the USPS, particularly as many experience delays with tax documents ahead of April 15. Spanberger first launched her survey in August 2020.

“Over the last week, more than 3,700 constituents have made their voices heard about the importance of the USPS — and through this survey, they have provided additional insight into the detrimental effects of USPS delays here in Central Virginia. My office has received stories from seniors, veterans, business owners, and working families — and many of these Virginians have expressed their tremendous opposition to Postmaster General DeJoy, his decision-making abilities, and his long-term impact on the future of the Postal Service,” said Spanberger. “Postmaster General DeJoy has refused to accept responsibility for his disastrous leadership. Amid a clear pattern of widespread delays, it’s unacceptable that he’s now floating additional ideas that could further disrupt mail deliveries for Central Virginians. To counter this assault on reliable delivery service, we must work together to demand concrete changes, particularly when the Postal Service is a lifeline for so many in our communities. I’m encouraged that President Biden took action last week to begin enforcing changes from USPS management, but I will use these stories to press for both greater accountability from Postmaster General DeJoy and improved treatment for the dedicated men and women of the Postal Service.”

According to recent reports, U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is planning to enact operational changes at the USPS that would further slow mail delivery and service — as well as increase consumer costs. Amid tax season, these steps could seriously impact the ability of Central Virginians to promptly file their tax returns and receive necessary documents — such as Forms W-2 and W-3 — before the April 15 filing deadline.

Last month, Spanberger joined an effort calling on President Joe Biden to fill existing USPS Board of Governors, which has the power to appoint and dismiss the Postmaster General and the Deputy Postmaster General, as quickly as possible. President Biden announced three nominees to the Board last week.

Some of the 3,700 responses that Central Virginians submitted through the survey include:

“My husband and I are both veterans, and we both use the VA. The VA sends medication through the mail. It used to take two days for a package from the VA to arrive; it now takes three weeks and sometimes more.” — Katherine, Henrico

“We have received important tax documents late. Bills paid via online banking, which mail a check to a creditor, have been received late. Our carrier has told us stories being told to slow down and/or not return for second and third runs.” — Paul, Henrico

“I have several friends who run small businesses and depend on the postal service. They have experienced either delays or non-arrival in sending packages to their customers. I also have experienced delays in receiving packages even after paying extra for expedited service.” — Maureen, Louisa

“My bills have been delayed, which has incurred late payment charges on multiple occasions. I have always supported the post office by choosing to use traditional mail service to receive and pay my bills. I don’t mind paying the postage, however I now question that decision since I am incurring additional costs in late payments.” — Carol, Culpeper

“It took 30 days for a card mailed from Wilmington, NC to get to Midlothian, VA.” — Vickie, Chesterfield

“Medicine that was mailed to me on January 19, 2021 was not received until February 13, 2021. My Verizon bill due to be paid by January 15, 2021 was received on January 16, 2021,” Kenneth, Henrico

“My elderly parents’ Rx medications are not arriving on time — and the insurance company won’t let them put in for a refill early — every month since the summer. Our CPA mailed our tax packet to us. It took over a month to arrive. We are a 10 minute drive to his office.” — Lois, Henrico

“I recently have such slow mail delivery that I am receiving paper bills on the date due to pay.  I was also expecting a package for three weeks and had the company send me another one.  Both packages arrived on the same day!” — Chris, Chesterfield

“We’ve experienced significant delays as well as mis-deliveries (meaning delivered to wrong address). Our USPS people are fantastic and hardworking.” — Marian, Louisa

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BACKGROUND

Spanberger has been vocal about the numerous ways that Postmaster General DeJoy and a weakened USPS have harmed Central Virginia communities. Last year, Spanberger cosponsored and voted to pass the Delivering for America Act, which would prohibit the USPS from making any structural changes impacting its service during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when more Americans are relying on home deliveries, the legislation seeks to stabilize the USPS and its operations. Additionally, the bill seeks to prevent any targeted structural changes that would weaken the USPS or threaten the job security of its employees.

Central Virginians can click here to complete Spanberger’s brief USPS survey, which remains open.

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