Latest news with #PostmasterGeneral
CBS News
27-07-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
U.S. Postal Service to celebrate 250th anniversary. What to know about its past, possible future
The U.S. Postal Service is celebrating its 250th anniversary this weekend, and you won't have to check your mailbox for the invite. The agency's semiquincentennial will be marked by an event at the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, two and a half centuries since its founding. Two newly announced commemorative stamps will also mark the occasion. USPS was founded as the U.S. Post Office Department on July 26, 1775, by decree of the Second Continental Congress. In 1970, Congress reorganized USPOD from a cabinet-level department into an independent agency — the modern USPS. Historians see the establishment of a national postal service as a crucial factor in ensuring the young country stayed unified during the Revolutionary War. One of the new commemorative stamps, announced Wednesday by USPS, features Benjamin Franklin in a modern interpretation of one of the first two U.S. postage stamps ever produced in 1847. Franklin, a participant in the Second Continental Congress, briefly served as the first U.S. postmaster general after serving in the equivalent role under British rule from 1757 to 1774. The other stamp celebrates men and women of the agency with a new collection of cityscape illustrations depicting a postal worker on her route through all four seasons. A 32-page booklet — only the fourth ever released by USPS — was also announced Wednesday and is set to feature selected stamp artwork from across the service's history. David Steiner, the newly appointed U.S. postmaster general, said that the new stamps represent enduring values every American can learn from, including perseverance, trust and imagination. "For the United States Postal Service, today is a milestone 250 years in the making," Steiner said in a statement Wednesday. "These stamps will serve as a window into our shared history." The museum does not comment on current or political events. Saturday's celebration comes months after sources said President Trump was mulling folding the USPS into the Commerce Department. Mr. Trump also said in December that his upcoming administration was "looking into" potentially privatizing the postal service. The White House is not actively considering or advancing such a proposal, a White House official said Saturday. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy announced he would be leaving the position in February, and Steiner, a former FedEx board member, took over earlier this month in the position. Steiner told USPS employees that he "did not believe that the Postal Service should be privatized or that it should become an appropriated part of the federal government." But Saturday, the National Postal Museum family-friendly Postal Party will be celebrating. The museum will feature activities, crafts and games, as well as a Franklin reenactor, allowing kids to learn postal history directly from the founding father. Other historic touchpoints set to be highlighted at the event include Owney, the 19th century terrier that served as an unofficial Postal Service mascot, and the Stinson Reliant, an early airmail carrier model from the late 1930s. The event won't just be looking toward the past, however. Anne Matlock, the museum's youth and family programs manager, said that the event is "looking back and looking forward, all at the same time," with exhibits about the future of the Postal Service. "We often don't think about all the ways that the Postal Service is connecting us through our Family, our community, to other spaces," Matlock said. "We want people to kind of think about those connections, see them in their own lives, and share things with all the Postal Service workers." The museum is also teaming up with other Smithsonian institutions for the event, which will include an airmail delivery game with the National Air and Space Museum, a Franklin-focused creative design activity with the National Museum of American History and storytime with the D.C. Public Library. The free event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
CBS News
26-07-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
U.S. Postal Service to celebrate 250th anniversary amid Trump threats to privatize
The U.S. Postal Service is celebrating its 250th anniversary this weekend, and you won't have to check your mailbox for the invite. The agency's semiquincentennial will be marked by an event at the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, two and a half centuries since its founding. Two newly announced commemorative stamps will also mark the occasion. USPS was founded as the U.S. Post Office Department on July 26, 1775, by decree of the Second Continental Congress. In 1970, Congress reorganized USPOD from a cabinet-level department into an independent agency — the modern USPS. Historians see the establishment of a national postal service as a crucial factor in ensuring the young country stayed unified during the Revolutionary War. One of the new commemorative stamps, announced Wednesday by USPS, features Benjamin Franklin in a modern interpretation of one of the first two U.S. postage stamps ever produced in 1847. Franklin, a participant in the Second Continental Congress, briefly served as the first U.S. postmaster general after serving in the equivalent role under British rule from 1757 to 1774. The other stamp celebrates men and women of the agency with a new collection of cityscape illustrations depicting a postal worker on her route through all four seasons. A 32-page booklet — only the fourth ever released by USPS — was also announced Wednesday and is set to feature selected stamp artwork from across the service's history. David Steiner, the newly appointed U.S. postmaster general, said that the new stamps represent enduring values every American can learn from, including perseverance, trust and imagination. "For the United States Postal Service, today is a milestone 250 years in the making," Steiner said in a statement Wednesday. "These stamps will serve as a window into our shared history." The museum does not comment on current or political events. Saturday's celebration comes months after sources said President Trump was mulling folding the USPS into the Commerce Department, or even possibly privatizing it. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy announced he would be leaving the position in February, and Steiner, a former FedEx board member, took over earlier this month in the position. Steiner told USPS employees that he "did not believe that the Postal Service should be privatized or that it should become an appropriated part of the federal government." But Saturday, the National Postal Museum family-friendly Postal Party will be celebrating. The museum will feature activities, crafts and games, as well as a Franklin reenactor, allowing kids to learn postal history directly from the founding father. Other historic touchpoints set to be highlighted at the event include Owney, the 19th century terrier that served as an unofficial Postal Service mascot, and the Stinson Reliant, an early airmail carrier model from the late 1930s. The event won't just be looking toward the past, however. Anne Matlock, the museum's youth and family programs manager, said that the event is "looking back and looking forward, all at the same time," with exhibits about the future of the Postal Service. "We often don't think about all the ways that the Postal Service is connecting us through our Family, our community, to other spaces," Matlock said. "We want people to kind of think about those connections, see them in their own lives, and share things with all the Postal Service workers." The museum is also teaming up with other Smithsonian institutions for the event, which will include an airmail delivery game with the National Air and Space Museum, a Franklin-focused creative design activity with the National Museum of American History and storytime with the D.C. Public Library. The free event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
USPS names new Postmaster General, Sen. Jon Ossoff issues statement
The Brief David Steiner, FedEx board member and former Waste Management CEO, is set to become the next Postmaster General, sparking fears of USPS privatization. Postal unions strongly oppose the appointment, citing conflict of interest. Sen. Jon Ossoff says he will review Steiner's record. The Postal Service continues to face major financial losses, service gaps, and criticism over its 10-year modernization plan, Delivering for America. ATLANTA - As the U.S. Postal Service enters a critical phase of transition and financial instability, the USPS Board of Governors has named David Steiner as the next Postmaster General, according to The Associated Press. The announcement was made Friday by Amber McReynolds, chairperson of the USPS' Board of Governors. What we know Steiner is the former CEO of Waste Management Inc. and currently serves on the board of FedEx, a direct competitor to the Postal Service in parcel delivery. While Steiner plans to resign from the FedEx board, his appointment has stirred widespread concern among postal workers and unions. Amber McReynolds defended the selection, calling Steiner "the right person to lead the Postal Service at this time" and citing his "tremendous vision, experience and skill." She emphasized the board's intent to maintain USPS's universal service mandate while improving financial sustainability. The appointment comes as USPS continues its 10-year modernization strategy, Delivering for America, launched under Louis DeJoy in 2021. DeJoy resigned in March following harsh criticism over mail delays and increased postage costs. The agency reported a $3.3 billion loss in the last quarter, though noted rising package revenue and falling transportation costs. PREVIOUS: USPS Postmaster General Louis DeJoy resigns amid possible DOGE cuts, Georgia mail delays What they're saying Steiner said he was "honored to be asked to lead the world's greatest postal organization" and expressed support for the Postal Service's public mission. "I believe strongly in maintaining its role as an independent establishment of the executive branch," he said. But union leaders are not convinced. Brian Renfroe, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers, blasted the decision: "His selection isn't just a conflict of interest — it's an aggressive step toward handing America's mail system over to corporate interests." Renfroe's union represents over 200,000 active and retired letter carriers. Mark Dimondstein of the American Postal Workers Union went further: "FedEx has a very different agenda than the public postal service. … That's the last type of person you would put in charge of this public institution." Don Maston of the National Rural Letter Carriers' Association urged Steiner to uphold the Postal Service's founding mission: "The Postal Service is not a business in the traditional sense — it is a national network that binds the country together." Local perspective Georgia has been especially hard-hit by ongoing mail delivery issues, and Sen. Jon Ossoff has been one of the most vocal critics of USPS leadership in Washington. In a letter to the Board of Governors, Ossoff said mail delays in Georgia have reached unacceptable levels, calling the agency's leadership "an abysmal failure." "My constituents, and I cannot emphasize this strongly enough, are beside themselves at the consistent and recurring failure of USPS leadership to execute their basic mission in Georgia," Ossoff wrote. Sen. Ossoff sent the following statement to FOX 5 Atlanta about Steiner's selection: "I will review Mr. Steiner's record, but it's too early for me to pass judgment on his qualifications and how he'll approach the job. While I've urged the Board of Governors to move quickly, it's even more important that they get this right and that the next Postmaster General be up to the task." USPS data released last month revealed Georgia's First-Class Mail service was 7.7% below the national average. Ossoff has also raised alarms about delays impacting Georgia veterans, including late prescription deliveries and missed VA appointment notices. PREVIOUS STORIES Sen. Jon Ossoff demands answers for mail delays affecting Georgia veterans USPS postmaster general plans to step down, Georgia reaction Georgia mail delays: Ossoff, Dejoy tangle during Senate hearing Sen. Jon Ossoff seeks more control over postmaster general after mail issues Ossoff: 'Further improvements' needed for Georgia's mail delays By the numbers Here's a breakdown of the numbers: $78 billion: USPS annual operating budget $3.3 billion: USPS loss last quarter $2.5 billion: Considered "uncontrollable" expenses 220,000+: APWU members impacted by leadership changes 7.7%: Georgia's First-Class Mail service performance gap below national average 167 million: Number of addresses served by USPS 205,000: Letter carriers represented by NALC The backstory The Trump administration, with support from the Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk, has floated ideas of USPS privatization or moving the agency under the Commerce Department. These moves, paired with the appointment of a private-sector executive from a competing company, have amplified fears that parts of USPS operations could be outsourced or dismantled. McReynolds insisted the decision was made independently and that an international search firm, Egon Zehnder, conducted the executive search process. A statement from the board confirmed that the choice of postmaster general rests solely with the governors. Why you should care The Postal Service remains one of the country's most relied-upon public institutions, especially in rural areas and states like Georgia where broadband, pharmacies, and other services may be less accessible. With universal delivery hanging in the balance and privatization whispers growing louder, the agency's leadership will likely shape not just mail logistics, but public trust in one of the few services that still reaches every American. Other Georgia Reaction Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) released the following statement on David Steiner's confirmation as the new United States Postmaster General. "This change in leadership at USPS is long overdue. Georgians have been subjected to lost packages, poor customer service, and abject failure by the USPS for years," said Rep. Mike Collins. "It is my hope that under David Steiner's leadership, we can see a USPS that finally meets the needs of Georgians and fulfills its mission to our state and country. I'm looking forward to changes at the agency and will be following closely." What's next Steiner is expected to assume office in July, pending clearance. In the meantime, oversight from lawmakers like Sen. Ossoff will continue as pressure mounts to improve service performance. With the USPS at a pivotal crossroads, all eyes will be on whether the incoming postmaster can stabilize the agency without dismantling its foundational mission.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ossoff taking wait and see approach as postal board announces new Postmaster General
The United States Postal Service has a new Postmaster General. The governing board announced Friday that FedEx board member David Steiner will take over the role, replacing the highly criticized Louis DeJoy. Channel 2's Michael Doudna spoke to Sen. Jon Ossoff on Friday about his repeated calls for change. 'This should be about merit, not patronage,' Ossoff said. 'Good postal service is not a luxury, it's a necessity.' Steiner will now inherit a system in Georgia that has been plagued by problems. As the Palmetto distribution facility was meant to bring efficiency to the system, it did the opposite, disrupting mail deliveries in Georgia all over the country. RELATED STORIES: This is how the Postmaster General's resignation could impact service here in Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff pressuring USPS about Georgia veterans not getting prescriptions on time Ossoff tells Postmaster General he needs 'to do better' after 'abysmal' mail delivery in Georgia Georgia ranks last of 50 states for 2-day First Class mail delivered on time 'The cost has been massive. The cost is for seniors who didn't receive their prescriptions, citizens who didn't receive notices from the court,' Ossoff said. And the problems have continued. This week, we reported that Kathy Swint has received a shipment of more than 100 dead chicks to her family feed store. 'This was at least our fourth shipment, maybe our fifth shipment, where we lost a large quantity of birds,' Swint told Channel 2's Tyisha Fernandes. 'It was hard, and it's getting harder because it's happening so often this year.' Now, Steiner will be tasked with fixing the issues. In a news release, the former CEO called the role 'an incredible honor.' As for Ossoff, he said in part: 'I will review Mr. Steiner's record, but it's too early for me to pass judgment on his qualifications and how he'll approach the job.'
E&E News
09-05-2025
- Business
- E&E News
Postal Service picks FedEx board member as next leader
The U.S. Postal Service picked the former head of Waste Management Inc., who currently serves on the board of Federal Express, as its next postmaster general Friday, months after the Trump administration forced out the service's former head. David Steiner led Waste Management, the nation's largest trash hauler, from 2004 to 2016. The Postal Service's unions have questioned whether President Donald Trump influenced the decision, according to the Associated Press. Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of privatizing the Postal Service or folding it into the Commerce Department. Advertisement The decision to hire Steiner 'rests solely' with the Postal Service's board of governors, whose members are approved by presidents of both parties and approved by the Senate, the Postal Service said in the statement. Steiner will likely start in July and will leave the FedEx board, the statement said.
