Reps. Takano, Aguilar, and Torres Demand Answers from Postmaster General DeJoy About Potential Operations Changes at San Bernardino Processing and Distribution Center
Riverside, CA – Today, Representatives Mark Takano (CA-41), Pete Aguilar (CA-31), and Norma J. Torres (CA-35) sent a letter to Postmaster General DeJoy expressing concerns about how changes at the U.S. Postal Service could affect operations at the San Bernardino Processing and Distribution Center located at 1900 West Redlands Boulevard, Redlands, California. This distribution center services U.S. Post Offices in cities located in the Representatives’ districts and throughout the Inland Empire.
In the letter, the Representatives state, “We are writing to express our deep concerns regarding any potential changes to operations or facilities at the San Bernardino Processing and Distribution Center located at 1900 West Redlands Boulevard, Redlands, California. The United States Postal Service (USPS) had recently begun making certain operational changes to mail delivery that were causing widespread delays in delivery of mail. While we had not been made aware of any operational changes regarding the San Bernardino P&DC, we are gravely concerned if any plans exist that would impact mail delivery to our constituents in the Inland Empire.”
They continue, “Many in the Inland Empire rely on the USPS to access essential goods and services, such as prescription drugs, legal documents, and personal mail. Any plans to consolidate or restructure operations at this facility – particularly during a pandemic and an election year – could result in undue hardship for residents in Riverside and San Bernardino counties during a critical time where the COVID-19 virus has already disrupted all of our lives.”
The full text of the letter is here and below:
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy
USPS Headquarters
475 L’ Enfant Plaza SW
Washington, DC 20260
Dear Postmaster General DeJoy,?
We are writing to express our deep concerns regarding any potential changes to operations or facilities at the San Bernardino Processing and Distribution Center located at 1900 West Redlands Boulevard, Redlands, California. The United States Postal Service (USPS) had recently begun making certain operational changes to mail delivery that were causing widespread delays in delivery of mail. While we had not been made aware of any operational changes regarding the San Bernardino P&DC, we are gravely concerned if any plans exist that would impact mail delivery to our constituents in the Inland Empire.
Many in the Inland Empire rely on the USPS to access essential goods and services, such as prescription drugs, legal documents, and personal mail. Any plans to consolidate or restructure operations at this facility – particularly during a pandemic and an election year – could result in undue hardship for residents in Riverside and San Bernardino counties during a critical time where the COVID-19 virus has already disrupted all of our lives.?
While we recognize the USPS recently released an official statement assuring the American people that any existing plans to reform operational standards to service will be suspended, we are deeply troubled by the operational changes that may have already been made. Beyond facilitating the movement of goods and services, USPS is also crucial for our democracy through the timely delivery of mail-in ballots. Operational cuts so close to the election raises serious concerns that changes could negatively impact the delivery of these ballots.
Thus, we respectfully request answers to the following questions:
- What operational plans exist to modify services, hours, personnel, equipment, or facilities at the San Bernardino Processing and Distribution Center?
- Have any of those plans – either in its entirety or only partially – been implemented to date?
- If changes have been made, does USPS have plans to reverse any of these operational changes?
- What justification or basis was used to determine which operational changes were necessary at the San Bernardino Processing and Distribution Center?
- Please provide any data supporting the justification or basis used to plan these operational changes.?
The United States Post Office serves a vital role in the functioning of our democracy. Operational changes to the USPS construct must be done with this principle at the heart of any discussions. The Founding Fathers enshrined the Post Office in our Constitution and it is our responsibility to ensure that every American continues to have access to universal mail service.
We trust that you also share in our view on the importance of USPS to our constituents and can provide answers to our questions in a timely fashion.
Sincerely,
Rep. Mark Takano
Rep. Pete Aguilar
Rep. Norma J. Torres
Press Contact
Dayanara Ramirez (202) 225-2305