Hawley Proposes Blocking USPS Bonuses Over Late Mail
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., is moving to block bonuses for top U.S. Postal Service executives when the agency fails to deliver mail on time.
Hawley’s proposed No Bonuses for Bad Service Act would prevent the USPS Board of Governors from approving additional compensation for the postmaster general and deputy postmaster general during any fiscal year when the agency’s on-time delivery rate falls below 95% across all mail products.
The proposal comes as Hawley points to years of financial losses, rising postage rates and declining delivery performance. His office says postmasters general have received more than $2 million in additional compensation over the past decade, even as the Postal Service’s finances and service record worsened.
- Proposed standard: USPS would need to achieve at least a 95% on-time delivery rate for all mail products.
- Recent losses: The agency recorded $25 billion in losses over the past three fiscal years, according to Hawley’s office.
- Recent bonuses: More than $567,000 was approved during the last three years of Louis DeJoy’s tenure, while current Postmaster General David Steiner has received $170,000 since taking office in July 2025, Hawley said.
“While Missourians don’t receive their mail on time, the Postmaster General receives a hefty bonus each year,” Hawley wrote in a statement to Fox News Digital. “I am introducing the No Bonuses for Bad Service Act to ensure postal service leadership isn’t receiving bonuses while Americans’ mail goes undelivered. It’s time for the Postmaster General to do his job and put Americans first.”
Hawley has made USPS performance a focus of his congressional oversight. He said residents in rural Missouri sometimes wait weeks for their mail. In April, a large pile of undelivered mail was also found in a vacant lot in north St. Louis.
During a June 24 hearing, Hawley questioned Steiner about the additional compensation. Steiner said he does not control how the bonuses are distributed.
“I am absolutely astounded at this today, general … and, frankly, if things don’t get better, you ought to resign, because you’re not doing the job. You’re leaving your good postal workers out there. You’re hanging them out to dry. They don’t make near what you do. They’re working their butts off, they’re getting blamed and you’re getting the bonus. We have a big problem. Based on what I’ve seen today, you’re part of it,” Hawley said at the time.
Hawley said the pay structure sends the wrong message when service is deteriorating.
“The pattern is clear: As service has gotten worse, the postmaster general’s pay has not,” Hawley said.
Steiner responded in a July 15 letter by inviting Hawley to tour the USPS St. Louis Processing and Distribution Center with other officials.
“I would be glad for you to join us, after which we can discuss all the issues you raise,” wrote Steiner.
“If the St. Louis tour does not work for you, I would be happy to sit down and address the questions and concerns posed in your letter at your convenience,” he added. “Let us see what work we can do together to improve service for Missourians and all Americans.”
Hawley is also investigating the Postal Service’s use of outside restructuring consultants. He has accused Steiner of ignoring congressional oversight while seeking records about the agency’s operations.
Fox News Digital reached out to the postmaster general’s office for comment.
