WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) today released the following statement after learning the plans of the U.S. Postal Service to reduce mail delivery to five days a week:

"We need to provide the postal service with greater flexibility to continue serving its customers. That’s why I supported Senate-passed legislation last year that gives good guidance to getting the USPS back on its feet and offering options for reform without cutting practical service. While I am disappointed the postal service had to resort to changing its delivery service, the financial strain of losing nearly $16 billion last year should not come at the expense of the needs of Arkansans. We will work to limit the ramifications this decision will have on businesses and families who rely on the postal service.”

Background: In 2012, the Senate approved S. 1789, the 21st Century Postal Act. Boozman voted in favor of the bill. The legislation prohibited USPS from establishing a general, nationwide delivery schedule of five or fewer days for at least 24 months after the enactment of this Act and required USPS to ensure that any change in its delivery schedule will not result in more than two consecutive days without mail delivery, including recognized federal holidays.