The U.S. Postal Service faces a bleak future without reform. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), a successful businessman before coming to Congress, has just the plan to save it from financial collapse.
Issa, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, spoke at Heritage yesterday about the Postal Service’s problems and the changes he would make to keep it operating for future generations. He sat down for a short interview after his speech.
Issa’s plan is the most comprehensive proposal put forward—and also more politically palatable than the plan offered by the White House. It recognizes the important services provided by the Postal Services and stresses efficiency to make the government-owned enterprise run like a private business. USPS lost $8.5 billion last year.
Heritage senior research fellow James Gattuso noted last week that “USPS is failing and needs to change. As currently structured, it cannot survive unless supported by tens of billions of dollars in subsidy.”
Issa acknowledged that change wouldn’t come easily. But with mail volume down 20 percent over the past five years, the moment is ripe to make reforms.
The interview runs about 5 minutes. Hosted by Rob Bluey and produced by Brandon Stewart, with help from Hannah Sternberg. For more videos from Heritage, subscribe to our YouTube channel.