Dingell Presses United States Postal Service on Mailing Disruptions

This effort follows an April letter to the Trump Administration demanding answers for similar mail delivery disruptions

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and below:

Dear Postmaster General Steiner:

This letter is regarding mail service disruptions in my district, particularly the delay of absentee ballots and political mail. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has a responsibility to remain accessible to all communities and ensure the delivery of essential mail, including bills, medications, legal documents, and urgent communications. The reliable delivery of time-sensitive mail is of the utmost importance.

I was alarmed to hear that on August 1, 2026, five carrier routes in Ann Arbor, Michigan, were left without assigned letter carriers, resulting in mail going undelivered. Just as concerning, USPS management failed to contact available employees to seek additional assistance in covering these routes, allowing the mail to remain untouched. Although employees are not required to work based solely on management's outreach, failing to make any effort to find volunteers is unacceptable, particularly given that the state's primary election was held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. These delayed deliveries left many Ann Arbor residents without their scheduled absentee ballots and political mail, limiting their time to vote before the statutory deadline and possibly preventing them from casting their ballots and receiving important candidate information. USPS has a responsibility to deliver the mail reliably and on time, especially when those delays can directly affect Americans' ability to participate in our democracy.

This incident is increasingly troubling, as I had raised concerns about persistent mail delays in Southeast Michigan in April of this year. One would expect the Postal Service to take these concerns seriously and to ensure that sufficient staffing and management procedures are in place to prevent similar failures. USPS plays a critical role in facilitating participation in our democratic processes, and I will continue to work to ensure my constituents have the reliable service they deserve.

I request clarity regarding this issue in my district and would like written responses to the following questions:

1. Was USPS aware of the five carrier routes in Ann Arbor, Michigan not receiving mail on August 1, 2026?

1. What future actions has USPS put in place to ensure a similar situation does not recur?

1. What steps have been taken to receive proper coverage for these five carrier routes?

1. Why were city carrier assistants or other employees not contacted to alleviate the situation?

1. To what extent did overtime compensation and labor costs factor into the mail coverage decision?

1. What were the delivery instructions for these routes and which level of management made the orders?

1. Was the mail eventually delivered to the five routes, and if so, when?

1. How will USPS ensure the statutory obligations and expectations of the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 are met?

1. What plan of action does USPS have in place to ensure this issue is resolved by November of this year?