Postal regulator asks Congress to clarify USPS's responsibilities

The oversight watchdog of the Postal Service asked lawmakers on Capitol Hill to clearly define its universal service obligation, which mandates that it affordably deliver mail to every citizen, as the regulator looks to further cut the agency’s costs.

Acting Postal Regulatory Commission Chairman Robert Taub testified before a House oversight subcommittee on Thursday, urging the body to clarify the Postal Service’s operating requirements as it seeks to cut down on as many costs as possible for the financially struggling USPS. But Staub also painted a much rosier picture of the agency than what USPS leaders have said publicly.