This is a very tough issue, as you have identified it.

Maintain 6-day service and rural service across America at 1983 standards.

We heard about that.

So I hope the Federal Government can inspire and lead in this area and show some innovation.

Congress can ignore both of you.

Well, let us try to work together.

Well, it sounds to me like we have two or three major issues outstanding here that will determine whether or not we have to make this decision about reducing service.

I anticipate a nursing shortage in America that will grow to 260,000 registered nurses by the year 2025.

If Senator Collins will spare me one little vignette here? About 4 or 5 weeks ago, I was in Africa with Senator Sherrod Brown.

How big a problem is Congress, when it comes to this issue about the future of the Postal Service?

And what is the next step after PRC has made its judgment on this estimate?

Billions of prescriptions are delivered through the mail each year--a 2-day delay in their delivery would seriously inconvenience senior citizens and others.

But, are you suggesting that the anticipated cost of the healthcare system of the Postal Service should be lower?

Thank you, Chairman Durbin, for holding this important hearing on the financial situation facing the United States Postal Service.

I don't know if it was in jest, but you offered me the Chicago Main Post Office for a dollar once.

What do you anticipate would be the increase in volume to post office boxes if you went to 5-day delivery?

Forty-four cents. That is still an amazing bargain, by any modern standards.

So, can you tell me the timetable there on the $75 billion issue?