Overview
- Postmaster General David Steiner told Congress the Postal Service could exhaust cash in less than 12 months, with scenarios pointing to a possible runout as early as October if obligations are maintained.
- Leadership is proposing to raise the first-class stamp from 78 cents to as much as 95 cents, with Steiner saying the move would largely address the agency’s controllable losses.
- USPS enacted shipping-rate increases on Jan. 18, 2026, lifting Priority Mail by 6.6%, Priority Mail Express by 5.1%, Ground Advantage by 7.8% and Parcel Select by 6%.
- Postal officials are asking Congress to lift borrowing caps, grant broader pricing and regulatory flexibility, and allow changes to pension fund investment rules to stabilize finances.
- Talks with Amazon over a renewed delivery contract have been reported as stalled, and leaders warn that unresolved revenue pressures could disrupt delivery of prescriptions, bills and government mail, especially in rural areas.