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Washington – President Trump criticized Senate Republicans for scheduling a hearing with the Postmaster General just days before the Republican National Convention, complaining that they were “playing the game” in the hands of Congressional Democrats.
Two Senate and House committees have called hearings with Postmaster General Louis DeJoy amid recent delays in mail delivery and concerns over the Postal Service’s ability to handle postal voting for the November election .
“Why are Republicans allowing Democrats to have ridiculous post office hearings on Saturday and Monday, right before and during our convention. Whether they hold them NOW (during their convention) or after our convention ends. Always play in their hands! ” Mr. Trump written on twitter, tagging Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
The president apparently confused the timing of the hearing before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, which is set for friday, not Saturday. DeJoy and Robert Duncan, chairman of the Postal Service Board of Governors, also agreed to appear before the House Oversight and Reform Committee for a hearing on Monday.
The Republican National Convention begins on Monday and lasts until next Thursday. The main events will take place in the evening, while the hearing with the House committee will take place on Monday. The Democratic National Convention takes place this week and ends this Thursday.
DeJoy, a GOP donor who was appointed to his post in June, announced Tuesday that it would suspend recent operational changes that have caused a delay in mail delivery. He said in a statement that his initiatives would be suspended “to avoid even the appearance of an impact on electoral mail”. Democrats have called on DeJoy to roll back the changes completely and are pushing for legislation to force him to do so.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday sent a letter to Duncan “calling for the immediate release of all documents relating to the selection of Louis DeJoy as Postmaster General and additional information regarding President Trump’s role and of Secretary Mnuchin in the search and selection process. “
“Since taking office, Mr. DeJoy has made a series of damaging operational changes which have led to reports of dramatic delays in mail delivery, including paychecks, prescription drugs. and the ballots by mail. a devastating global pandemic and a national election – only increased the need for answers as to why Mr DeJoy was chosen, ”Schumer wrote.
At the request of the Democrats, the Inspector General of the US Postal Service launched an investigation in recent changes made by DeJoy. Democrats also demanded that the Inspector General assess whether DeJoy and his wife – who “are believed to own assets worth tens of millions of dollars in postal service competitors and contractors,” according to a statement from the senator’s office. Elizabeth Warren – fully complied with ethical requirements.
The House is due to return to Washington on Saturday to pass legislation prohibiting the Postal Service from changing its operations or service levels until the pandemic is over. Meanwhile, 90 House Democrats on Wednesday signed a letter demanding that the USPS board of governors immediately remove DeJoy from office.
Last week, the Postal Service confirmed it had sent letters to 46 states warning that postal ballots may not be received in time to be counted, sparking criticism as states expanded postal voting due to of the coronavirus pandemic.
Melissa Quinn contributed to this report.
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