Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has called on the newly appointed Postmaster General, David Steiner, to address ongoing issues with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), particularly those affecting rural communities in Missouri. In a letter sent today, Hawley highlighted what he described as unacceptable mail delays and declining service reliability under previous USPS leadership.

“USPS failed to meet its own nationwide performance targets in nearly every category, and the problem was even worse in my home state of Missouri, where on-time delivery rates dropped below 77% in fiscal year 2024. This is unacceptable,” Senator Hawley wrote. “Rural families, small businesses, and veterans depend on reliable mail service for everything from prescription medications to Social Security checks. They deserve a Postal Service that works for them.”

Hawley also urged Steiner to halt the implementation of the Regional Transportation Optimization (RTO) plan. According to Hawley’s letter, “The Postal Regulatory Commission has already concluded that the RTO plan would have ‘significant negative impacts on rural communities throughout the United States.’ This misguided initiative should be suspended until it can be fully reassessed under your leadership, with a focus on preserving service standards for rural customers.”

Earlier this year, Senator Hawley introduced legislation known as the No Regional Transportation Optimization (RTO) Act in response to concerns about changes proposed by USPS that would eliminate end-of-day mail collection at most post offices and impact rural areas.

In his correspondence, Hawley encouraged reforms focused on improving operational efficiency without reducing services for rural Americans. He asked Postmaster General Steiner to keep his office informed about plans regarding rural mail delivery and operational reforms.