DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Georgia Congressman Hank Johnson held a news conference Tuesday where he voiced his support for the postal service.
Johnson spoke outside the post office off Wesley Chapel Road in Decatur where he asked Georgians to call their senators and the president.
[Postal service funding, delays lead to mail-in voting concerns in Georgia]
Johnson said the postal system is a pillar of democracy with millions of Americans counting on it for absentee ballots in November.
The new postmaster general is sparking nationwide outcry over delays and cutbacks just before millions will vote by mail this fall during the pandemic.
After push back from the public, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said Tuesday that he would “suspend” several of his initiatives -- including the removal of the distinctive blue mail boxes that prompted an outcry -- until after the election “to avoid even the appearance of impact on election mail.”
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Many Democrats and some Republicans believe President Trump is trying to undermine the agency ahead of the presidential election. President Trump denies that, but says universal mail-in ballots would be a disaster.
“The people need to get on the phone, call your senators. You also need to call the White House,” Johnson said.
Dexter Brown has worked as a postal carrier for 37 years.
“If the pandemic couldn’t stop us, if the rain and sleet couldn’t stop letter carriers, 45, you’re not going to do it either,” Brown said.
The U.S. House is cutting short its summer recess, with a vote expected Saturday on legislation to stop postal operation changes and add $25 billion to shore up services.
The president and Senate Republicans are against any additional funding. Johnson will be among those voting this Saturday.
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