CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Four U.S. senators have introduced a bill aimed at limiting political influence over the U.S. Postal Service.
The Nonpartisan Postmaster General Act, announced Thursday, comes amid concerns about Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who was a fundraiser for the Republican Party before taking the position in June.
U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., introduced the bill with Democratic colleagues Gary Peters of Michigan, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Tom Carper of Delaware.
“Every West Virginian deserves to receive their medications, Social Security benefits, and election ballots on time and this legislation is a step in the right direction to creating USPS leadership who will provide these services to every American,” Manchin said in a press release.
The bill would prevent appointees for postmaster general and deputy postmaster general from having any political position four years before their appointment. The postmaster general, the deputy postmaster general and members of the Postal Service Board of Governors would also be prohibited from political fundraising and campaign activities.
DeJoy previously served as a deputy finance chairman of the Republican National Committee and as a local finance chairman for the Republican National Convention, which was scheduled to be held this summer entirely in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Washington Post and The New York Times reported DeJoy pressured employees of his North Carolina company to donate to Republican candidates, encouraging the donations with bonuses. Employees were also urged to attend political fundraisers at DeJoy’s home in Greensboro, North Carolina.
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein on Sunday tweeted any credible allegation would result in an investigation by state and federal agencies.
DeJoy is also facing pressure for actions and proposals aimed at cutting costs at the expense of services.
Manchin spent the August recess period touring multiple Postal Service facilities in West Virginia, noting machines placed out of service and a culture of fear preventing employees from discussing changes with the Postal Service.
Manchin told DeJoy in an Aug. 17 letter he should leave his post if he cannot guarantee mail services.
“Mr. DeJoy, you have the distinct privilege of serving as Postmaster General, a position that comes with the responsibility to uphold the public’s trust in the Postal Service,” the senator said. “If you cannot rise to that level of service and start earning our confidence, you should resign from your position.”