Press Releases
Rep. Young Speaks Out On Bypass Mail
Washington D.C.,
October 14, 2011
Alaskan Congressman Don Young released the following statement regarding the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s passage of H.R. 2309, the Postal Reform Act of 2011, which includes a provision that would have a drastic effect on the bypass mail program on which many Alaskans rely:
“I am disappointed that the Oversight Committee decided to move forward with legislation that targets those Americans that depend on reliable, efficient postal service the most. My constituents, mainly my rural constituents, rely on bypass mail, because without it they would be cut off from the rest of the world. Postal service for all Americans is a right guaranteed under Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution. This legislation shifts the financial burden to the State of Alaska and that is plain wrong.
“It is unfortunate that there are still some out there who do not recognize how unique Alaska is. Alaska’s terrain does not allow for the sort of ground infrastructure that our counterparts in the Lower 48 take for granted. Residents of say, Southern California or New York State have access to affordable ground postal service whereas many Alaskans simply do not. Bypass mail serves as a way for rural Alaskans to have access to the same universal mail service that every other American enjoys.
“Chairman Issa has stated that the bypass mail provision is a starting point for negotiations, so I want to encourage stakeholders to come to me with suggestions that will strengthen this vital program. But let me be clear; I will fight against any legislation that attempts to balance the Postal Service’s budget on the backs of my rural constituents.”
####
|