Vt. senators push

for Saturday mail

Staff Report

Sen. Bernard Sanders, I-Vt., and Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., were part of a group of U.S. senators to introduce a bill Wednesday to preserve Saturday mail delivery.

The measure may provide the Postal Service with new options to make money by permitting services such as notarizing documents, issuing hunting and fishing licenses, and allowing beer and wine shipments, Sanders said.

The legislation, which was simultaneously introduced in the U.S. House by Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., would also prevent mail-sorting centers and rural post offices from shutting down.

A commission of successful small business and labor representatives would be created to recommend other directions the U.S. Postal Service could pursue to remain relevant in an age of electronic mail.

Sanders said the Senate bill also seeks to repeal a 2006 law that mandated the post office pre-fund 75 years of future health care benefits for retirees over 10 years.