Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Edolphus “Ed” Towns (NY-10) announced his co-sponsorship of H.R. 5548, the “Postal Service Access Assurance Act of 2008”. This legislation would serve to ensure the continued availability of automated stamp vending machines by the United States Postal Service for underserved communities.

USPS announced in October 2006 that it would phase out stamp vending machines by 2010.  Approximately 5,900 vending machines would be removed each year until nearly 23,000 machines – now in service – have been withdrawn. USPS points to reasons such as aging equipment, lack of repair parts, and the high costs of maintenance.

“Preserving stamp vending machines is an issue of fairness, plain and simple,” Congressman Towns asserted. “While some people with credit cards can still purchase stamps online or over the phone, many Brooklynites still suffer through long lines at post offices,” declared Towns.

Towns concluded, “Stamp vending machines provide a valuable service to customers during post office peak times and when post offices are closed.  Instead of discarding these machines entirely, USPS should allocate the necessary resources to address deficiencies such as the use of dollar coins that account for high maintenance costs. With these minor modifications, the overall effectiveness of the stamp vending machines is improved and the ready access to stamps is maintained.”

The bill is now being reviewed by the House Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Post Office, and the District of Columbia.

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