The U.S. Postal Service is facing criticism over its financial losses and on-time delivery record, prompting Senator Josh Hawley to propose legislation that would withhold bonuses for top executives.
The proposed bill, which Hawley will name the "No Bonuses for Bad Service Act," aims to prohibit the USPS Board of Governors from approving additional compensation for the Postmaster General and Deputy Postmaster General if the agency fails to meet or exceed a 95% on-time delivery rate.
Hawley's legislation comes as the agency faces significant financial challenges, including $25 billion in losses over the past three fiscal years, which have coincided with an increase in postage rates and a decline in on-time delivery.
Over the past ten years, Postmasters General have received more than $2 million in additional compensation, even as delivery performance declined and budget numbers worsened, according to Hawley's office.
Among the reasons cited by Hawley for the proposed bill are the agency's financial struggles and the disconnect between executive bonuses and on-time delivery rates.
During a June 24 hearing, Hawley confronted Postmaster General David Steiner about the additional compensation, suggesting that Steiner should resign if the agency's service doesn't improve.
Residents in rural parts of Missouri have reported waiting weeks for their mail, and a large pile of undelivered mail was found in April in a vacant lot in north St. Louis, highlighting the agency's service issues.
Hawley was already investigating the Postal Service, accusing Steiner of ignoring congressional oversight while demanding records on the agency's use of outside restructuring consultants.
