Appropriations Committee Advances Second Spending Bill, Strong Provisions for North Alabama Postal Service Audit and Consideration of Skyline Zip Code

WASHINGTON - Congressman Dale Strong, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, secured two key provisions for North Alabama in the Fiscal Year 2027 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill, which passed out of the committee on Wednesday.

The first provision directs the United States Postal Service (USPS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) to evaluate delivery performance, staffing levels, and operational bottlenecks in areas with ongoing service issues, including North Alabama.

"Families, small businesses, and seniors depend on timely, reliable mail delivery, whether it's for receiving medication, paying bills, or managing daily commerce. This audit brings accountability and oversight to the Postal Service by identifying systemic failures and ensuring it implements the necessary changes to improve reliability and efficiency," said Congressman Strong.

"Since coming to Congress, I've heard my constituents' concerns regarding the lack of reliable mail service. I remain concerned about the negative impacts of consolidation, including degraded mail service, declining customer satisfaction, and cost overruns," said Strong. "This audit is about getting clear answers and making sure the Postal Service delivers the level of service our communities expect."

Strong also secured a second provision directing USPS to continue its internal review of cases where ZIP codes overlap municipal boundaries, resulting in multiple or incorrect city designations.

While the original review included Priceville, Alabama, this provision requires an updated report that includes an analysis for consideration of a unique ZIP code designation for Skyline, Alabama.

These efforts build on Congressman Strong's persistent and sustained work to address delivery delays and strengthen mail service across North Alabama, including pushing for a new post office in the 35763 ZIP Code, advocating for a North Alabama-based processing and distribution facility, requiring reviews and consideration of designating unique ZIP Codes for Priceville and Skyline, and securing prior directives that mandate USPS review consolidation impacts and improve service reliability.

The Fiscal Year 2027 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill now heads to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

BACKGROUND:

The Fiscal Year 2027 Financial Services and General Government bill is one of twelve annual appropriations bills. The bill funds the Department of the Treasury, the Executive Office of the President, the Federal Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and more than 20 independent Commissions, Departments, and Agencies.