Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia is advocating for a significant change in the selection process for the U.S. postmaster general following mail-service issues in his state. He introduced the Postmaster General Reform Act, which would require the Senate to confirm the president’s appointee to the position. Currently, the postmaster general is appointed by the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors without congressional confirmation. Additionally, the proposed legislation would impose a limit of two five-year terms for postmaster generals, a position that currently has no term restrictions.

Ossoff criticized the performance of the current postmaster general, attributing mail-service failures in Georgia to ineffective leadership and management within the postal system. There has been widespread criticism of Postmaster General DeJoy’s handling of the Postal Service, particularly concerning its readiness to manage a surge of mail-in ballots prior to the upcoming election. Operational challenges at the postal facility in suburban Atlanta have been acknowledged as contributing to delivery delays in Georgia.

The U.S. Postal Service has faced efficiency and financial challenges due to declining first-class mail volume and increasing packaged shipments, resulting in substantial financial losses over recent years. Georgia’s postal service performance was rated as the poorest nationwide in a recent report. Ossoff has repeatedly pressed DeJoy for plans to enhance the agency’s performance, a concern shared by several Georgia Republican House members.

The Palmetto facility consolidation was intended to streamline delivery processes but led to reduced on-time delivery rates. Ossoff visited the facility in June, publicly criticizing DeJoy’s management and emphasizing the necessity of improving mail service for Georgia residents. Despite DeJoy’s assurances to local leaders about service enhancements, Ossoff emphasized the critical need for better postal service and expressed confidence in bipartisan backing for the proposed legislation.

Ossoff underlined the significance of ensuring that crucial services such as medication deliveries for seniors, court notices, and small business operations are not compromised due to postal inefficiencies. He emphasized the importance of congressional oversight in confirming key federal officials, including the postmaster general, to uphold the integrity and efficiency of the postal system.