USPS is no longer expected to run out of money in 2027 : NPR

Key Points:

• The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has avoided running out of money and halting deliveries next year by pausing payments to worker retirement funds, but it still faces a financial crisis projected between 2031 and 2034.
• USPS continues to struggle financially due to declining mail volumes, reporting a $2 billion net loss in the latest quarter and implementing temporary price hikes and spending restrictions to manage costs.
• The Postal Regulatory Commission has provided a $15 billion cushion by waiving USPS' required retirement payments through 2030, offering some short-term relief but not resolving long-term sustainability issues.
• USPS is seeking Congressional help to revise borrowing laws and reform retirement plans, while lawmakers demand detailed financial projections before approving any major changes to the agency’s operations or delivery mandates.
• The agency is also embroiled in political controversies related to the 2030 census field test and President Trump’s executive order on voting by mail, facing lawsuits and bipartisan calls to focus on its core postal mission rather than election administration.