HARTFORD, CT—Connecticut’s congressional delegation released the following statement today expressing their disappointment in the United States Postal Service (USPS)’s decision to speed up closure of the Wallingford and Stamford postal processing facilities. The closures, which were originally scheduled for next year, will now be taking place this year.

“We are outraged at the Postal Service’s decision to close the Wallingford and Stamford processing facilities an entire year earlier than the original deadline. Closing these facilities will impact nearly 1,200 jobs, reneging on a promise to the employees and communities that these facilities would remain open during this year to allow enough time to reform the Postal Service and assess if these closures are fiscally prudent. For years, our delegation has been calling for action on real reforms to get the Postal Service back on a sound fiscal footing, and now a failure to act by the House Republican leadership means jobs lost and livelihoods threatened.   

“We remain committed both to reversing this decision, preventing further closures, and to ensuring that Connecticut residents do not experience delays in mail delivery.

“USPS is correct in one respect: it cannot sustain itself under the current system. But unilateral action is not the answer. Congress must pass a comprehensive plan that addresses the challenges facing the Postal Service and continue to provide affordable, accessible service to every address in the country.”