Keep US Posted, of which PRINTING United Alliance is a member, held a special reception on February 12, 2025 to award Congressmen Sam Graves (R-MO) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) with the Benjamin Franklin Award for Leadership in Postal Policy. The award, presented by Keep US Posted Executive Director and former Congressman Kevin Yoder (R-KS), is awarded to members of Congress who have led efforts to preserve and protect the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for the Americans who rely on it.
During the event, Keep US Posted raised awareness and rallied support for the U.S. mailing industry, small businesses, non-profits, and the American people who rely on the U.S. Postal Service everyday. PRINTING United Alliance was represented by ACG Advocacy at the reception and had the opportunity to engage with multiple legislators and staff.
Most recently, Congressman Graves has engaged on behalf of his constituents in North Missouri to challenge the poor mail delivery service and the “Regional Transportation Optimization” plan. He also questioned the onerous twice-a-year rate hikes that have led to alarming mail volume declines.
Last month, Rep. Graves re-introduced the Pony Up Act, which would protect consumers by putting USPS on the hook for late delivery of bills. The legislation was originally introduced in the 118th Congress. Countless complaints have been registered by constituents whose mail hasn’t arrived on time, or at all in some cases. Many of those complaints have involved paying a late fee due to bills being delivered late. Multiple municipal utilities have also complained that their bills aren’t arriving to their customers in a timely manner. The legislation would require USPS to pay any late fees incurred on bills due to delayed delivery service.
Congressman Krishnamoorthi has been an outspoken advocate on behalf of the USPS during his time in Congress, repeatedly denouncing efforts to increase prices and reduce service. During a House Committee on Oversight and Accountability hearing on the state of the USPS, he questioned Postmaster General Louis DeJoy on his Delivering for America Plan. He noted that under DeJoy's leadership the USPS has seen diminished service and increased costs for millions, especially for those from rural communities, small businesses, and seniors, who conduct business, personal correspondence, and critical services such as paying bills and receiving health care through the USPS.
Both congressmen have engaged on postal issues and worked to bring accountability to the USPS and are well-deserving of the 2025 Benjamin Franklin Award for Distinguished Leadership in Postal Policy. PRINTING United Alliance congratulates Congressmen Graves and Krishnamoorthi, and we extend our sincere thanks for their leadership in postal policy.
In this article, Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager, PRINTING United Alliance, discusses the Keep US Posted 2025 awardees. More information can be found at Business Excellence-Legislation or reach out to Steph should you have additional questions specific to how these issues may affect your business: sbuka@printing.org.
To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.
