U.S. Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville, both R-Alabama, are introducing legislation that would tie the postmaster general’s performance bonuses to the U.S. Postal Service’s delivery and financial results.
The Postal Executive Responsibility, Fiscal Oversight, and Results-based Management Act, known as the PERFORM Act, would prohibit the postmaster general from receiving a performance-based bonus if the Postal Service failed to meet key operational or financial benchmarks during the previous fiscal year.
The Senate legislation mirrors H.R. 9936, introduced in the House by U.S. Representative Dale Strong, R-Alabama. Every member of Alabama’s House delegation signed on as an original co-sponsor, giving the measure bipartisan support from the state’s Republican and Democratic representatives.
“The American people expect results, not excuses,” Britt said. “Postal customers across Alabama deserve reliable mail service, and executive compensation should reflect whether that standard is being met.”
“Millions of Americans rely on the U.S. Postal Service to receive bills, send invoices and hear from their friends and family,” Tuberville said. “In the private sector, if an organization is losing money every year, it would go under. The last thing we need to be doing is handing out bonuses to reward poor management.”
Strong, who has repeatedly raised concerns about Postal Service reliability during his time in Congress, said the Senate introduction marked an important step for the proposal.
“Alabamians deserve a Postal Service that delivers their mail on time and a postmaster general who is accountable for results,” Strong said. “With Alabama’s entire congressional delegation united behind this effort, we’re sending a clear message: It’s time for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver.”
The legislation would prevent the postmaster general from receiving a performance-based bonus if the Postal Service:
- Fails to meet nationwide mail service performance targets.
- Reports a net financial loss.
- Receives a material weakness, adverse audit opinion or disclaimer on its financial statements.
- Fails to submit required reports to Congress.
Postal officials have argued that the agency’s strategy is improving long-term efficiency. However, lawmakers from both parties have continued to raise concerns about persistent mail delays, processing center consolidations and service disruptions, particularly in rural areas.
Strong has repeatedly pressed Postal Service leaders over delivery delays in North Alabama, citing constituent complaints and concerns about mail processing operations. Members of Alabama’s congressional delegation have also criticized disruptions that they said affected veterans receiving medications, small businesses, seniors and rural residents who depend on timely mail delivery.
The legislation would require the Postal Service’s Board of Governors to certify that the agency met all performance standards before awarding a performance-based bonus to the postmaster general.
The House and Senate introductions position the PERFORM Act for consideration in both chambers during the current Congress. The legislation must still advance through committee and pass the House and Senate before it can go to the president for consideration.
