Fact Check: Bipartisan Calls for Pausing DeJoy's Overhaul Plan Are Growing
What We Know
Former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy's overhaul plan for the United States Postal Service (USPS), known as "Delivering for America," has faced significant criticism from stakeholders across the political spectrum. This 10-year plan, initiated in 2021, aimed to improve the financial sustainability of USPS but has been criticized for leading to service degradation without generating financial benefits. Reports indicate that USPS lost $9.5 billion in fiscal 2024, raising concerns about the effectiveness of DeJoy's strategies (GovExec).
In recent discussions, members of Congress, including both Democrats and Republicans, have expressed a near-universal consensus on the need to pause or even reverse the recent reforms implemented under DeJoy's leadership. For instance, Mike Plunkett, CEO of the Association for Postal Commerce, stated that the implementation of the overhaul plan has resulted in unprecedented rate increases and service degradation, urging for an immediate pause on its implementation (GovExec). Additionally, Senator Gary Peters has secured a commitment from DeJoy to pause changes at specific USPS facilities until at least January 2025, reflecting bipartisan concerns about the impact of these changes on mail delivery (Senator Peters).
Analysis
The claim that bipartisan calls for pausing DeJoy's overhaul plan are growing is supported by multiple sources. The GovExec article highlights the widespread dissatisfaction with the Delivering for America plan, noting that stakeholders from both parties have called for a pause. This sentiment is echoed in statements from various congressional members and industry leaders who argue that the changes have led to significant service degradation and financial losses.
Moreover, Senator Peters' actions, including leading a bipartisan letter to DeJoy, further illustrate the growing calls for a pause. His commitment to ensuring that changes are studied before implementation indicates a serious concern shared across party lines about the potential negative impacts of the overhaul (Senator Peters). The bipartisan nature of the criticism, as mentioned in the article, adds credibility to the claim, as it shows that the concerns are not limited to one political party.
However, it is important to consider the reliability of the sources. The articles from GovExec and Senator Peters' official press release are credible, as they come from established platforms and directly from a sitting senator. The bipartisan nature of the calls for a pause is also supported by statements from various stakeholders, including conservative think tanks, which adds to the reliability of the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that bipartisan calls for pausing DeJoy's overhaul plan are growing is substantiated by multiple credible sources. There is a clear consensus among lawmakers from both parties and industry stakeholders regarding the need to reassess the impact of the Delivering for America plan before proceeding with further changes. The actions taken by Senator Peters and the statements from various stakeholders reinforce the validity of this claim.
Sources
- With DeJoy out, postal stakeholders push for pause in criticized ...
- Senator Peters Secures Pause on Changes ... | Senator Gary Peters
- USPS regulator says DeJoy should pause all network reform efforts
- Postmaster halts changes to USPS facilities, including ... - Senate
- Postmaster DeJoy pauses USPS consolidation; local leaders react