September 15, 2020

Wyden, Colleagues Call on Postmaster General to Immediately Reverse Operational Changes to the U.S. Postal Service Causing Delays of Critical Medications to Americans

Senators: “We continue to have grave concerns regarding widespread delays in the delivery of critical medications that millions of Americans rely upon every day.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) Ranking Member Gary Peters (D-MI), Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA), Special Committee on Aging Ranking Member Bob Casey (D-PA), and Committee on Finance Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) led 30 of their Senate Colleagues in a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy calling on him to immediately reverse all operational and organizational changes that have resulted in delays of critical medications to Americans.

“The Postal Service is an essential public institution that must uphold its duty to serve every community. Your recently implemented changes pose an unacceptable threat and continue to have a devastating effect on communities that rely on consistent access to medication through the mail. We have received numerous reports from seniors about delays in receiving their prescriptions through the mail, leaving some without life-sustaining medication for days. Others have been forced to obtain emergency prescriptions from their doctors and pay out-of-pocket for medication because their original prescriptions covered by insurance never arrived,” wrote the Senators.

“We call on you to immediately reverse all operational and organizational changes that have resulted in life-threatening delays of critical medications to Americans. As you noted, “it is imperative for the Postal Service to operate efficiently and effectively, while continuing to provide service that meets the needs of [its] customers.”  Right now, the Postal Service is failing to meet the needs of many Americans and adhere to its mission of “prompt, reliable, and efficient services to patrons in all areas.”  As we continue to fight this pandemic, the Postal Service is integral to keeping millions of Americans safe, especially seniors, people with chronic conditions, and people with disabilities,” continued the Senators.

BACKGROUND: The letter was also signed by Senators Klobuchar (D-MN); Carper (D-DE); Schumer (D-NY); Brown (D-OH); Blumenthal (D-CT); Udall (D-NM); Warren (D-MA); Gillibrand (D-NY); Warner (D-VA); Leahy (D-VT); Van Hollen (D-MD); Sanders (D-VT); Duckworth (D-IL); Shaheen (D-NH); Stabenow (D-MI); Baldwin (D-WI); Smith (D-MN); Hassan (D-NH); Coons (D-DE); Whitehouse (D-RI); Booker (D-NJ); Markey (D-MA); Cardin (D-MD); Reed (D-RI); Heinrich (D-NM); Hirono (D-HI); Cantwell (D-WA); Durbin (D-IL); Merkley (D-OR); Harris (D-CA).

The full text of the letter is here.