The U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) financial condition and outlook deteriorated significantly during FY 2009. USPS was not able to cut costs fast enough to offset declining mail volume and revenues resulting from the economic recession and changes in the use of mail, such as electronic bill payment. The USPS needs to restructure to improve its financial viability. Declines in mail volume and revenue, large financial losses, increasing debt, and financial obligations will continue to challenge USPS. This testimony provides: (1) info. on USPS's financial condition and forecast; and (2) the need for USPS restructuring. In addition, questions and issues are included for Congress to consider regarding USPS's proposal to reduce delivery from 6 to 5 days.

The USPS's financial outlook has deteriorated as customers have shifted to electronic alternatives. Mail volumes have declined over 20% since FY 2006 and are expected to continue declining. To help its financial outlook, in March 2010, USPS presented a detailed proposal to move from a 6-day to a 5-day delivery schedule. USPS projected this would save about $3 billion annually and reduce mail volume by less than l%. This proposal factors in widespread changes to USPS's workforce and networks. This report assessed: (1) USPS's cost and volume estimates and the operational impacts associated with its 5-day delivery proposal; and (2) the trade-offs and other implications associated with this proposal. Illus. A print on demand report.