WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) responded to proposals that the U.S. Postal Service cut delivery to five days a week by saying the cost-saving measure was unacceptable to her and to the rural Eighth Congressional District.

“Interruptions in postal service carry serious consequences for all Americans, especially those of us who live in rural parts of the country.  Not only are bills and correspondence carried to our homes on those days, but Tuesday and Saturday (two of the days talked about as possibilities for cutbacks in service) are also important delivery days for our local newspapers, which arrive with the mail,” Emerson said.

“I understand the many concerns about this proposal that have been raised to me, and I am going to be insistent that we preserve the level of service Americans depend upon from the USPS,” Emerson added.  “Not rain nor sleet nor gloom of night nor budgetary difficulties should keep our mail carriers from their appointed rounds.”

Emerson is Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Financial Services Appropriations, which last year included a prohibition on such elimination of service for Fiscal Year 2009.  Emerson says she will support the provision in the FY 2010 version of the bill.  The issue of preserving mail delivery is one Emerson supports along with Chairman of the Subcommittee U.S. Rep. Jose Serrano.