WASHINGTON — The head of the U.S. Postal Service said he would pause operational changes at the agency until after the November election after lawmakers expressed fear the changes would hinder the collection of mail-in ballots.
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said in a statement he had been making changes at the agency to ensure its long-term sustainability, but “to avoid even the appearance of any impact on election mail, I am suspending these initiatives until after the election is concluded.”
DeJoy also said he would expand a task force on election mail.
DeJoy’s reversal on the changes comes amid increased scrutiny from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle of the changes and service cuts at the agency. He is set to testify before the Senate on Friday and the House on Monday.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the House back early from its recess to vote on legislation Saturday preventing any further changes at the Postal Service.