“Today, I voted for the Delivering for America Act to protect the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and ensure it continues to be a safe and reliable lifeline for all of us. Over the past few weeks, I have heard a flood of concern from my Tampa neighbors and stories of delayed mail deliveries. The legislation will prohibit post office closures, halt the removal of mail sorting machines, remove restrictions on overtime pay, end any hiring freeze, and keep convenient neighborhood “blue mailboxes” in service.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, and despite President Trump’s scare tactics, vote-by-mail is essential for a safe and secure election. The Delivering for America Act requires all Election Mail to be treated as First Class Mail, including the ballots of overseas service members. Trump megadonor and appointee Postmaster General DeJoy’s scheme to upend postal standards in the middle of the health crisis is wrong, and I am committed to safeguarding the USPS.

“Our bill provides $25B which was requested by the (Trump-appointed) Postal Board of Governors to continue normal operations.

“I have heard from hundreds of my neighbors about delays. Floridians rely on the U.S. Mail as a lifeline for medicine, bills, an affordable way to ship their products, and these days, voting. Many in our community are deeply concerned by the president’s moves to undermine our democracy by undermining an institution established in the Constitution. Delays in delivery hurt our most vulnerable neighbors and our small businesses at a time when they can least afford it, and I will continue to stand up for my neighbors during this pandemic and every day.

“Senate Republicans should join us in voting for the Delivering for America Act, just as they should understand the desperate needs of our neighbors and meet House Democrats halfway on the Heroes Act.”

On May 15, Rep. Castor voted to pass the Heroes Act which included a bipartisan $25B in emergency funding to support USPS, protect local postal workers with personal protective equipment, and ensure timely mail delivery during the coronavirus pandemic. She also a cosponsor of the Protect Our Post Offices Act, a standalone bill that would provide $25B in emergency funds to USPS. On August 20, Rep. Castor and over 100 other House Members sent a bipartisan letter urging Postmaster General DeJoy to put a plan in place to ensure the proper delivery of mail-in ballots.