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Without Federal Funding, Future Of U.S. Postal Service Remains In Doubt

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The U.S. Postal Service says it’s being ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic, and stands to run out of money in September. But President Trump seems indifferent to its plight. 

So far, there’s been no emergency aid greenlighted for the agency, causing some to wonder if it’ll survive 2020.

Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon says he’ll fight to get funding as Congress looks at further legislation addressing COVID-19.

"And one of my priorities for the next bill will be to fund the postal service," says Wyden. "And of course, I’m leading the effort to make sure that everybody across the country has the opportunity to do what we do in Oregon, which is to vote safely and conveniently by mail.”

Wyden adds that the postal service is “essential” for tackling the pandemic, by delivering health care products to hospitals and clinics.

Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.