Democrats Strike Back Against DeJoy Plan: 'The Best Way To Kill Your Business'

Democrats have ignited efforts to resist a plan by postmaster general Louis DeJoy to hike prices and slow delivery at the post office. Legislative opposition and lawsuits by multiple parties could sink DeJoy’s proposal to make the Postal Service profitable, as key provisions require congressional approval, the Washington Post reports.

The most obvious counterattack is the DEJOY Act, officially known as the Delivering Envelopes Judiciously On-time Year-round Act. It would lock in current delivery windows and service expectations.

Democrats characterize the post office as a public service, a sharp contrast to DeJoy’s focus on profits and debt. Even those willing to accept DeJoy’s framing are skeptical his latest plan amounts to anything but a continuation of his alleged desire to cripple the agency.

“This is the best way to kill your business,” Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., said, “To basically say to your customers, ‘We’re not going to meet your expectations. You’re going to meet our service realities, regardless of what ends up happening.’”

One of the largest parts of DeJoy's proposal relies on Congress repealing the requirement that the Postal Service pre-fund health care cost for retirees, instead enrolling them in medicare. Democratic skepticism, exacerbated by heated exchanges between DeJoy and lawmakers, could make that a tough sell.

Some legislators have reportedly been swarmed by calls from concerned constituents who rely on the mail to deliver paychecks and medication. Mail delays have already spiked due to DeJoy’s cuts.

Apart from legislative difficulties, DeJoy is likely to face a variety of legal challenges. The Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers announced plans for a lawsuit in its newsletter. Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro has also threatened legal action.

“The plan will drive mail volume down to levels not seen since before it reached 100 billion in 1980,” it reads. “If we mailers win our federal lawsuit, the plan is sunk.”

That’s if DeJoy lasts in office at all: Alarmed Democrats have pushed the Biden administration to hurry appointments to the postal board that can fire DeJoy outright.