The Postal Service may be out of cash in 2027 without Congress' help, postmaster says
Postal Service Warns of 2027 Cash Shortage. Congress Will Act When Congress Acts.
What Happened
The U.S. Postmaster General announced that the Postal Service will run out of cash by 2027 without Congressional intervention. This represents an ongoing financial crisis for the agency, which has struggled with declining mail volumes and rising costs.
Historical Context
The Postal Service has been "facing financial crisis" for decades. Previous warnings: 2012 (predicted insolvency by 2013), 2017 (warned of crisis by 2021), 2020 (emergency funding needed). Each time, Congress provided stop-gap measures. The agency lost $6.5 billion in 2023 but has operated at a loss for 17 consecutive years. Mail volume peaked in 2006 and has declined 30%+ since then.
What's In Your Control
Whether you send physical mail (support revenue). Whether you contact representatives about postal policy. Whether you buy stamps now or later (minimal impact). Whether you worry about package deliveries three years away (you shouldn't).
Does This Require Action?
Unless you're a lawmaker or postal policy advocate: awareness only. The system has survived repeated "crisis" warnings for over a decade. Permission granted to continue using the mail service without anxiety.
Source: NPR
