USPS seeks DOGE's help to cut costs nationally

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is seeking help from a new federal program called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to improve its financial situation. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy wrote to Congress on Monday explaining the need for this assistance. DeJoy noted that the USPS has nearly 31,000 retail centers, but about half of them are not making enough money to cover their operating costs. He mentioned that the agency must look at reducing its expenses, including lease agreements and employee retirement plans. DeJoy highlighted the challenges with the Postal Service’s real estate and predicted that future lease renewals could be difficult due to rising rents and urban development. He requested DOGE's help primarily to analyze the impact of unfunded congressional mandates and to combat counterfeit postage, which has cost the USPS about $1 billion. Despite entering into this agreement, DeJoy assured Congress that the USPS remains an independent entity. He stressed that the engagement with DOGE is limited in scope and aimed at specific issues, not an overall reform agenda. However, some lawmakers are concerned. Democrats on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform called for an immediate hearing regarding the USPS's relationship with DOGE. Representative Gerald Connolly accused DeJoy of making secret deals that might undermine the Postal Service’s independence. Additionally, DeJoy mentioned plans to cut about 10,000 jobs through a voluntary early retirement program in collaboration with DOGE. This move has also sparked criticism from Congress regarding the future of mail services and the agency's operational integrity.