Provides an overview of the U.S. Postal Service¿s (USPS) financial condition, recent legislation to alleviate the USPS¿s financial challenges, and issues for the 111th Congress. Since 1971, the USPS has been a self-supporting gov¿t. agency that covers its operating costs with revenues generated through the sales of postage and related products and services. Recently, the USPS has experienced significant financial challenges. Contents: (1) Background; (2) Financial Difficulties, FY 2006-09: (3) FY 2010 Financial Condition; (4) Issues for Congress: Increasing Revenues: Altering Postage Rates; Reducing Costs; Reducing Pension Costs; Reducing the USPS¿s Retail and Nonretail Facilities; Reducing Mail Delivery from 6 to 5 Days/Week. Illus.

The U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) financial condition and outlook deteriorated significantly during FY 2009. USPS was not able to cut costs fast enough to offset declining mail vol. and revenues resulting from the economic downturn and changing mail use. USPS would not be able to make the $5.4 billion payment to prefund postal retiree health benefits that was due by the end of the year. This testimony: (1) updates USPS's financial condition and outlook; (2) describes changes made by the Postal Account. and Enhancement Act of 2006 that provided USPS with greater flexibility to generate revenues; (3) outlines USPS's revenue-generation actions and results using this flexibility; and (4) discusses options to generate increased revenues in the future.

The U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) financial condition and outlook deteriorated significantly during FY 2009. USPS was not able to cut costs fast enough to offset declining mail volume and revenues resulting from the economic recession and changes in the use of mail, such as electronic bill payment. The USPS needs to restructure to improve its financial viability. Declines in mail volume and revenue, large financial losses, increasing debt, and financial obligations will continue to challenge USPS. This testimony provides: (1) info. on USPS's financial condition and forecast; and (2) the need for USPS restructuring. In addition, questions and issues are included for Congress to consider regarding USPS's proposal to reduce delivery from 6 to 5 days.