Little Apple Times

U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann and Sam Graves have introduced the Pony Up Act, a bill aimed at holding the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) accountable for late deliveries of bills. The proposed legislation seeks to address consumer complaints about late or undelivered mail resulting in individuals having to pay late fees. Under this act, USPS would be responsible for covering any such fees incurred due to delayed delivery services.

Reps. Emanuel Cleaver II, Mark Alford, Mike Bost, Mike Collins, and Pete Stauber have also backed the introduction of this legislation alongside Reps. Mann and Graves.

"Kansans rely on USPS to deliver their mail in a reasonable, timely manner," said Rep. Mann. "Unfortunately, that has not been the reality. Hundreds of Kansans have shared their concerns about their mail not being delivered in a timely manner, or in some cases, not showing up at all. My legislation holds USPS accountable and removes the burden from hardworking Kansans. When USPS fails to do its job, it should be held responsible."

Rep. Graves echoed these sentiments: "Constituents across my district are routinely frustrated by late mail delivery and they should be—the Postal Service isn’t getting the job done," he stated. "Folks expect their mail to show up on time, six days a week. Instead, they are constantly faced with late deliveries and it’s costing people money."

Rep. Cleaver highlighted additional concerns: "With extreme weather like we saw earlier this month, not to mention the complete failure of the Postmaster General’s Delivering for America Plan, families and small businesses across my congressional district continue to voice their frustration with delivery service from the USPS," he noted.

The Pony Up Act would allow individuals who incur late fees due to delayed bill deliveries to file claims for repayment either online or in person at any post office location. Furthermore, it mandates a report on delayed mail which will provide Congress with relevant information regarding USPS's effectiveness.