Lawmakers Demand USPS Reverse Postmark Rule Change

Budzinski, Bergman, and Pappas lead letter criticizing policy that would obscure mail origins

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:55pm

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A bipartisan group of lawmakers, led by Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, Congressman Jack Bergman, and Congressman Chris Pappas, have written to the Postmaster General demanding the reversal of a new policy that would no longer have USPS postmarks reflect the original mailing date. The lawmakers argue this change, coupled with mail delays from the Regional Transportation Optimization (RTO) plan, will harm Americans, make it harder to investigate crimes, and undermine the integrity of the Postal Service.

Why it matters

The postmark date is crucial for many time-sensitive items like bills, tax returns, paychecks, and election ballots. Delayed postmarks could result in late fees, utility shutoffs, rejected ballots, and other issues - especially for rural Americans. The policy also makes it more difficult for law enforcement to trace the origin of packages containing illegal substances or other criminal activity.

The details

The new USPS policy, announced in a December 2025 rule change, states that postmarks will no longer reflect the original mailing date. This is due to changes from the RTO plan, which has reduced mail pickup frequency from post offices more than 50 miles from a regional processing center. The lawmakers argue this will disproportionately impact rural communities and undermine the Postal Service's ability to assist law enforcement investigations.

  • The new USPS postmark policy was announced in a December 24, 2025 rule change.
  • A pilot version of the RTO plan was tested in Wisconsin in 2024, resulting in decreased service and greater impact on rural areas.

The players

Nikki Budzinski

Congresswoman representing Illinois' 13th district and Co-Chair of the Congressional Postal Service Caucus.

Jack Bergman

Congressman representing Michigan's 1st district and Co-Chair of the Congressional Postal Service Caucus.

Chris Pappas

Congressman representing New Hampshire's 1st district and Co-Chair of the Congressional Postal Service Caucus.

David P. Steiner

Postmaster General of the United States Postal Service.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The federal law enforcement agency that has historically used postmarks to investigate crimes and fraud committed via mail.

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What they’re saying

“As you know, millions of Americans rely on the United States Postal Service (USPS) for the delivery of critical items such as tax returns, bills, checks, and even election ballots. For our constituents, a delayed postmark could result in late fees on bills, essential utilities being shut off, mail-in ballots not being accepted by local Boards of Elections, or delays in receiving paychecks and refunds.”

— Nikki Budzinski, Jack Bergman, Chris Pappas, Members of Congress (Letter to Postmaster General)

“In 2001, following the anthrax mail attacks on the United States Capitol and various other public officials, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was able to use the postmark to track the exact date on which the contaminated letters were sent and the location from which they were mailed. We are concerned that these changes would make it more difficult for federal law enforcement to track packages containing illicit substances, potentially resulting in increased danger for both Postal Service employees and the general public.”

— Nikki Budzinski, Jack Bergman, Chris Pappas, Members of Congress (Letter to Postmaster General)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.