North Michigan News

Yesterday, Representatives Jack Bergman (MI-01), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Andrew Garbarino (NY-02) announced the formation of a bipartisan Congressional Postal Service Caucus. The group aims to address issues related to on-time delivery rates, employee protection, and facility consolidations that may reduce postal access in rural and underserved areas.

Rep. Bergman stated, “I’m proud to co-lead the new Congressional Postal Service Caucus to ensure that the voices of rural communities are front and center in any discussion about postal reform. In Iron Mountain, Michigan, we saw firsthand what happens when rural perspectives are ignored - vital services are put at risk. Through persistence and accountability, we were able to protect the facility and preserve essential postal operations for Veterans and all residents across the Upper Peninsula. The Postal Service is more than just mail delivery in rural America - it’s a critical lifeline for small businesses, seniors, and Veterans. While modernization and reform are necessary for the long-term health of the system, those changes must not come at the expense of rural and remote communities.”

Rep. Budzinski said, “For years, rural communities like the ones I represent in Central and Southern Illinois have faced lagging delivery rates, facility closures, and neglect from the top leadership from USPS. I’m excited to launch this bipartisan group alongside Congressman Bergman, Congressman Pappas, and Congressman Garbarino to push back against postal privatization, improve speed and service, and protect good-paying union jobs at USPS. I look forward to working together to ensure USPS remains a public good that effectively serves all Americans.”

Rep. Pappas added, “The U.S. Postal Service provides an essential public service that seniors, families, and businesses rely on for their medications, mail, and packages. I’m joining my colleagues in launching the Congressional Postal Service Caucus so that we can continue working to strengthen mail service for communities in New Hampshire and across the country. I remain committed to improving access to prompt and reliable mail and package deliveries, especially for our rural communities.”

Rep. Garbarino remarked,“I’m proud to serve as Co-Chair of the Congressional Postal Service Caucus. USPS provides an essential public service that the American people rely on. I look forward to working with my colleagues to support postal workers, ensure the system operates efficiently and effectively in every community, and advance commonsense reforms that strengthen the Postal Service long term.”

Jack Bergman has represented Michigan’s 1st district in Congress since 2017 after succeeding Dan Benishek [https://www.house.gov/representatives]. He was born in Shakopee, Minnesota in 1947; he currently resides in Watersmeet [https://bioguideretro.congress.gov/Home/MemberDetails?memIndex=B001305]. Bergman graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a BA in 1969 before continuing his education at the University of West Florida.