1. United States
2. Kan.
3. Letter

The potential privatization of the United States Postal Service poses significant risks to affordable mail and delivery services for all Americans. As an independent agency, USPS is bound by federal service mandates to provide universal service at reasonable rates. Privatization would shift the focus from public service to profit, likely leading to higher costs for everyday services like shipping, bill pay, and package delivery. This disproportionately impacts low-income households that still rely heavily on USPS. Rural communities and underserved urban areas could also see reduced access if privatization results in post office closures or reduced hours. Furthermore, a private postal service may be less accountable and have diminished emphasis on universal service and affordability compared to the current public model. For these reasons, maintaining USPS as a public service is crucial to ensuring all Americans have reliable, affordable access to vital mail and shipping services.