Washington, D.C.—Michael McGuffin, President of the American Herbal Products Association,sent a letterto Congressional leaders in the U.S. House and Senate to request adequate federal funding be included in a fourth COVID-19 relief package to ensure the financial viability and continued operations of the United States Postal Service (USPS), according to a press release.

McGuffin wrote in the letter: “The financial condition of the USPS is of significant importance to AHPA’s members, who depend on the Postal Service for the reliable transport of their herbal products such as dietary supplements and teas, and for other vital business activities. As such, it is essential that the USPS is properly funded to meet the needs of AHPA’s members, as well as those of their customers.”
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The press release notes that on May 15, the House passed the HEROES Act, which contains $25 billion in financial relief for the USPS. Leaders in the House and Senate have indicated that they are working to finalize the next federal COVID relief package by the end of July.

“AHPA encourages the Congress to establish an ongoing practice of providing the USPS with financial support to maintain its operations, at the present time and continuing when the nation reestablishes normal business practices,” McGuffin wrote in the letter. “The health of the USPS is important to the wellbeing of millions of Americans who rely on it for delivery of vital goods and services.”

The press release concludes: “It is essential that the USPS is properly funded to meet the needs of U.S. citizens.”