Washington – President Trump criticized Republicans in the House of Representatives for planning a hearing with the postmaster general just days before the Republican National Convention, and complained that they were “playing right into the hands of the Democrats of Congress.”
Two House and House committees have convened a meeting with Postmaster General Louis DeJoy amid recent delays in mail delivery and raised concerns about the Post Office’s ability to process mail-in voting for the November elections.
“Why do Republicans let the Democrats have ridiculous Post Office hearings on Saturday and Monday, just before and during our Convention. Let them hold them NOW (during their convention) or after our convention is over. Always play right into their hands! ” Mr. Trump wrote on Twitter, tagging Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
The President apparently confused the timing of the hearing before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, that is set for Friday, not Saturday. DeJoy and Robert Duncan, the chairman of the Postal Service Board of Governors, also agreed to appear Monday for a House committee hearing and reform.
The Republican National Convention begins on Monday and lasts through next Thursday. The main events will take place in the evening, while the hearing with the House committee will be on Monday. The Democratic National Convention happens this week, and ends this Thursday.
DeJoy, a GOP donor appointed to his position in June, announced on Tuesday that he would discontinue recent operational changes leading to the delay in mail delivery. He said in a statement that his initiatives would be discontinued “to prevent even the appearance of any influence on election post.” Democrats have called on DeJoy to reverse the changes altogether, and move forward with legislation to force him to do so.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer sent a letter to Duncan on Wednesday requesting the immediate release of all materials related to Louis DeJoy’s selection to be Postmaster General and for additional information on the role of President Trump and Secretary Mnuchin in the search and selection process. “
“Since taking up his position, Mr. DeJoy has made a series of damaging operational changes that have led to reports of dramatic delays in the delivery of mail, including payment traffic, prescription drugs, and mail-in voting. These delays – those “Taking place during a devastating global pandemic and a nationwide election have only increased the need for answers as to why Mr DeJoy was elected,” Schumer wrote.
At the request of the Democrats, the Inspector General of the U.S. Postal Service launched a study in recent changes made by DeJoy. Democrats also demanded that the inspector general assess whether DeJoy and his wife – who “reportedly own tens of millions of dollars in competitors and contractors for Postal Service”, according to a statement from Senator Elizabeth Warren’s office – fully satisfied have to ethical requirements.
The House plans to return to Washington on Saturday to pass legislation banning the Postal Service from making changes to its operations or levels of service until the end of the pandemic. Meanwhile, 90 House Democrats on Wednesday signed a letter demanding that the USPS Board of Governors immediately remove DeJoy from his position.
Last week, the Postal Service confirmed that it sent letters by e-mail to 46 states warning that e-mail votes could not be counted in time to count, which led to criticism because states had the vote by mail expanded due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Melissa Quinn contributed to this report.
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