Press Release
Reps. Bera and Connolly Lead Letter to USPS Postmaster General Demanding Timely and Accurate Delivery of Veterans' Mail-Order Prescriptions
Washington, DC,
August 21, 2020
Today, Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-07) and House Oversight and Reform Committee Government Operations Subcommittee Chairman Gerry Connolly (VA-11) led 65 Members of Congress in a letter requesting Postmaster General Louis DeJoy share information on what actions the United States Postal Service (USPS) is taking to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of prescriptions to veterans. "As a doctor who has cared for veterans, I know that the delivery of mail-order prescriptions is critical for those who live in rural areas or are staying home to limit their exposure to COVID-19," said Rep. Ami Bera. "For decades, veterans have relied on mail services to receive their life-saving medications. It is unacceptable that delays at the USPS are slowing down this essential service during a global pandemic. Veterans have sacrificed for our country and we owe them certainty in reliable access to medications so they can live healthy, safe lives." "Postmaster General DeJoy's deliberate sabotage of the USPS is a betrayal of our veterans who rely on the mail to deliver critical medication," said Chairman Connolly. "It is absolutely disgraceful that the Trump administration is willing to jeopardize the health and safety of our nation's veterans during a pandemic that has already killed more than 170,000 Americans." In July, reports began to come out that veterans have had to wait double or triple the regular amount of time for their prescriptions to arrive. This week, Postmaster General DeJoy announced that he will put a hold on operational changes that have resulted in increased mail service delays. While this is a step in the right direction, the letter asks the USPS for clarification on what measures they are taking to end the reported delays, including outreach to veterans to notify them of current delivery standards so that they can request medication with sufficient time and steps they are taking in full coordination with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure the timely arrival of mail-order prescriptions. |