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Trump, Donald

Democrats Demand Testimony from Postmaster-General Amid Fears Over Mail-in Voting

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have invited Postmaster-General Louis DeJoy to testify before Congress regarding operational changes to the postal service that they claim jeopardize November's elections. The lawmakers suspect that DeJoy is "an accomplice in the president's campaign to cheat in the election" and are planning emergency funding legislation to address concerns over mail-in ballots. Pelosi intends to call the House back early from recess to hold an urgent hearing on August 24, where DeJoy and Robert Duncan, chairman of the USPS board of governors, will be summoned to testify.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have invited Postmaster-General Louis DeJoy to testify before Congress on "dangerous" operational changes to the postal service.
  • The lawmakers are concerned that these changes could slow the mail and threaten mass postal voting during the coronavirus pandemic.
  • Democrats have accused DeJoy of being an "accomplice" in President Trump's alleged attempt to manipulate the postal service to deny eligible voters access to the ballot.
  • The House Speaker intends to hold an urgent hearing on August 24 to address these concerns, where DeJoy and Robert Duncan, chair of the USPS board of governors, will be summoned to testify.
  • President Trump has expressed concerns about mass postal voting, stating that it could lead to "catastrophic" consequences, including lost or discarded votes.
  • Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has not yet indicated whether he will accept a request to recall the Senate for hearings and a vote.

Statistics:

  • The USPS has dismantled mail-sorting machines, cut overtime, and removed post boxes since June, under the leadership of Postmaster-General Louis DeJoy.
  • The postal service is facing budget shortfalls due to dwindling revenues, which have decreased further during the coronavirus pandemic.
  • . The House of Representatives has been scheduled to return early from recess on September 14, with the aim of passing emergency funding legislation for the USPS.

Sources:

  • [1] Nancy Pelosi, House Speaker
  • [2] Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader
  • [3] "USPS Warns on Mail-in Ballots", [The Wall Street Journal]
  • [4] "Trump Launches Attack on Mail-in Voting", [The New York Times]
  • [5] "Democrats Demand Fix of USPS Funding", [CNN]

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