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Richard HannaWashington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hanna says he supports the United States Postal Service’s decision to delay the closing or consolidation of post offices and mail processing centers until May 15, 2012.

Earlier this year Hanna called the Postal Service consolidations “profoundly disappointing.” He publicly called for the closures and consolidations to be delayed until Congress had time to review current proposals to address the Postal Service’s financial situation.

Hanna is a co-sponsor of H.R. 1351, the U.S. Postal Service Pension Obligation Recalculation and Restoration Act, a bipartisan bill that would help the Postal Service recover nearly $7 billion in overpayments to its pension fund.

“This delay is what I’ve been asking for since I began serving in Congress,” Hanna said. “The legislation relating to pension-funding issues could alter the need to close some postal facilities and processing centers like those in Utica and Binghamton.”

Hanna talked about the potential closures of the processing facilities and the negative effect the consolidations would have on upstate New York mail service.

“The residents of upstate New York, many of whom reside in rural areas, rely on timely mail delivery,” Hanna said. “I will continue to strongly oppose any efforts to close highly efficient and productive processing centers – like those in Utica and Binghamton.

“Congress should make strengthening the Postal Service a priority early in the New Year and I look forward to addressing this issue.”

The National Association of Letter Carriers said it appreciates the efforts of all of elected officials who are working to save America's Postal Service.

“Congressman Richard Hanna has been on record supporting H.R.1351, a bill that is a start to helping the Postal Service,” said Billy Ganey, NALC congressional liaison to the 24th District. “Yesterday Senator Gillibrand, along with other Senators, convinced the Postal Service to put a six month moratorium in place on any further post office closures and to move ahead with helping the Postal Service succeed as a vital communication vehicle for the people of the United States.”

The Postal Service said it will continue all necessary steps required for the review of facilities targeted for closure during this interim period, including public input meetings.

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