James M. Jeffords: “I rise today to argue in support of an amendment sponsored by myself and Senator Baucus that would require the U.S.…”

“I rise today to argue in support of an amendment sponsored by myself and Senator Baucus that would require the U.S. Postal Service to let communities know when they are planning to shut down, relocate, or consolidate a community's post office. This amendment aims to preserve the fabric of downtowns and prevent sprawl by giving citizens a say in Postal Service decisions to close, relocate, or consolidate their local post office. This amendment is supported by the National Governors Association, the National League of Cities, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Association of Postmasters of the United States, the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers, the American Planning Association, the Association of United States Postal Lessors, and the International Downtown Association. Coming from a small town in Vermont, I understand the importance downtowns or village centers play in the identity and longevity of a community. Downtowns are where people go to socialize, shop, learn what their elected representatives are doing, and gather to celebrate holidays with their neighbors. One of the focal points of any downtown area is the community's post office.”