Reps. Mann, Graves Introduce Bill to Hold USPS Accountable
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Sam Graves (MO-06) introduced the Pony Up Act, which would protect consumers by putting the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) on the hook for late delivery of bills. The legislation is the first step in solving complaints from across the country that late or undelivered mail resulted in individuals being forced to pay late fees. The Pony Up Act would require USPS to pay any late fees incurred due to delayed delivery service.
Reps. Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05), Mark Alford (MO-04), Mike Bost (IL-12), Mike Collins (GA-10) and Pete Stauber (MN-08) joined Reps. Mann and Graves in introducing the legislation.
“Kansans rely on USPS to deliver their mail in a reasonable, timely manner,” said Rep. Mann “Unfortunately, that has not been the reality. Hundreds of Kansans have shared their concerns about their mail not being delivered in a timely manner, or in some cases, not showing up at all. My legislation holds USPS accountable and removes the burden from hardworking Kansans. When USPS fails to do its job, it should be held responsible.”
“Constituents across my district are routinely frustrated by late mail delivery and they should be—the Postal Service isn’t getting the job done,” said Rep. Graves. “Folks expect their mail to show up on time, six days a week. Instead, they are constantly faced with late deliveries and it’s costing people money. If the Postal Service isn’t going to get the mail out of the processing center and to the mailbox on time, then they should pony up and pay the late fee.”
“With extreme weather like we saw earlier this month, not to mention the complete failure of the Postmaster General’s Delivering for America Plan, families and small businesses across my congressional district continue to voice their frustration with delivery service from the USPS,” said Rep. Cleaver. “Not only is it preventing them from getting timely information, but it is costing them their hard-earned dollars as they face late fees due to delayed delivery on monthly bills. We need bipartisan action to ensure these costs are not levied on hardworking Americans who have no ability to prevent these delays, and I’m proud to introduce the Pony Up Act with Reps. Graves and Alford to provide relief.”
“The Postal Service is vital, especially for the many rural communities in Missouri’s Fourth District,” said Rep. Alford. “The USPS has failed to fulfill their Congressionally mandated six-day delivery window. These delays carry tangible consequences; many Americans have shared accounts with delayed checks resulting in late fees on bill payments. It is only fair that the Postal Service should reimburse taxpayers for late fees accrued due to USPS delays,”
The Pony Up Act would enable anyone who incurred a late fee due to the late delivery of a bill to file a claim for a late fee repayment. Filing for the repayment would occur online through a portal or in person at any post office. The bill would also require a report on delayed mail, giving Congress relevant and accurate information to identify the effectiveness of USPS.
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