NAPS Chat

Elena Patel, Co-Director of the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center and Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute, joins Bob to discuss the extraordinary economic impact the Postal Service has on rural and postal-reliant communities, as well as the importance of the agency's universal service obligation to the entire country. Elena and Bob also talk about the difficulty the Postal Service has in effectively meeting this obligation in light of its current financial pressures, and potential fixes. Dr. Patel has recently authored two scholarly papers on the Postal Service.  

At the 2026 NAPS Legislative Conference, in Washington, NAPS bestowed it annual Gold Standard for Legislative Leadership Award to former New Jersey Legislative Chair George Barrett. George joins Bob to discuss his tactics and strategies to maximize his opportunities to promote the interests of EAS level postal employees and retirees. Also, George shares his "tricks of the trade" and reflects on memorable congressional engagements he had during his career. In addition, Bob summarizes recent actions taken by the Postal Board of Governors and the Postal Regulatory Commission relating to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). 

National Association of Letter Carriers President Brian Renfroe joins Bob to discuss the postal outlook from the perspective of the nation's largest postal union. Brian and Bob talk about the the necessity for unity among postal stakeholders to confront the daunting challenges confronting the USPS, as well as the steadfast commitment the community must have to ensure the agency's public service obligations are not jettisoned. They also talk about the recent House postal hearings, postal finances and the recent nomination of 3 individuals to the Postal Board of Governors.  

NAPS President Ivan Butts, joins Bob to discuss the late-breaking postal news that includes the USPS' hiring of a restructuring and "turnaround" consultant and the nomination of three new individuals to the Postal Board of Governors. In addition, Ivan and Bob talk about the upcoming NAPS legislative conference in Washington and the recent Congressional Postal Caucus round table, at which Ivan participated. Ivan also recounts his legacy as NAPS President, highlighting his success in securing a 20% increase in the median pay for EAS level postal employees and the soon-to-be operational NAPS Training Academy.  

Snailworks President Dave Lewis, joins Bob to discuss postal performance, mail tracking and the effectiveness of direct mail. Snailworks is a Maryland-based company that assists corporations, charitable organizations and political entities monitor mail performance, calibrate mailing campaigns and plan direct marketing to effectively use the mail. Among the issues David and Bob discuss are the differences, if any, between the USPS' intelligent mail program and Snailworks' mail tracking, the effectiveness of direct mail, and the recently introduced committee-passed legislation to track vote by mail election ballots (H.R.7265). Bob also talks about some issues discussed at the February 5, 2026, USPS Board of Governors meeting. 

Government Accountability Office (GAO) Director of Physical Infrastructure David Marroni, joins Bob to discuss key policy decisions that Congress must make if the U.S. Postal Service is to be sustainable and continue to provide the essential services to which Americans are entitled and expect. Director Marroni, a 22-year veteran of the GAO, lays out key choices that Congressneeds to make and reviews recent GAO evaluations of the USPS. Among the issues David and Bob discuss are the USPS' universal service obligation and postal finances. Bob also summarizes a few congressional, administrative, and judicial actions relating to the Postal Service. 

NAPS Executive Vice President Chuck Mulidore, joins Bob to discuss preparations underway for the 2026 NAPS legislative conference in our nation's capital (March 15 - 18) and the anticipated agenda. In addition, Chuck and Bob talk about recent changes relating to the meaning of the USPS "postmark" and the growing vacancies on the USPS Board of Governors. 

Former postal employee Steve Grant, author of the best-selling book, Mailman: My Wild Ride Delivering Mail in Appalachia and Finally Finding Home, joins Bob to discuss his book and share his views about the U.S. Postal Service. The book, published during this past summer by Simon & Schuster, recounts Steve’s personal experiences and reflections on working for the Postal Service and the customers he served. Steve and Bob also talk about the extraordinary outpouring of interest in the publication and how Steve’s narrative should inform America’s views about the Postal Service.

Angelo Cueto, Office of Personnel Management Program Manager of Operations and Program Services, joins Bob to discuss the Postal Service Health Benefits Program (PSHBP) Open Season (November 10- December 8). Angelo and Bob talk about navigating the complexity of the open season and how participants should make the best use of the open season resources.

Kevin Moss, editor of the Consumers' Checkbook Guide to PSHBP Plans, joins Bob to discuss strategies to choosing a health insurance plan during the Postal Service Health Benefits Program Open Season (November 10 - December 8). Kevin and Bob talk about how to maximize health coverage, premium increases and benefit changes. In addition, they explore how Medicare participants may exercise their health plan options. Also, Bob talks about 2026 Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) cost-of-living-adjustments.

Joy Sanzone and David Neu of the US Postal Service Office Of Inspector General (OIG) join Bob to discuss their new "White Paper" that explores the evolution of the USPS' retail network and how the network is adapting, or not adapting, to the the dynamic postal environment.  Joy, David and Bob talk about how the Postal Service's "universal service obligation" informs the postal retail footprint, whether the obligation needs to be more clearly defined and if there is something to learn from the experience of foreign postal authorities. In addition, Bob  references the upcoming Postal Service Health Benefits Program Open Season and the departure of Postal Regulatory Commission Chairman Michael Kubayanda from the agency. 

NAPS Secretary-Treasurer James (Jimmy) Warden joins Bob to discuss a variety of issues that impact supervisory and managerial level postal employees, as well as matters of interest to the broad USPS  community. In part, Jim and Bob talk about NAPS' aggressive lobbying to ensure a smooth 2025 Postal Service Health Benefits Program Open Season, and NAPS' continued congressional outreach to protect employee benefits and promote USPS success. In addition, Jim provides a brief update on postal supervisor, manager and postmaster "pay talks" and outlines how NAPS helps protect the due process rights of EAS-level postal employees.  

Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) joins Bob to discuss the newly established bipartisan Congressional Postal Caucus. Reps. Budzinski and Jack Bergman (R-MI) co-chair the caucus. The congresswoman and Bob talk about why members of Congress felt it necessary to create the caucus. In addition, Rep. Budzinski and Bob explore the coalition's important mission, its advocacy on behalf of the Postal Service, universal service and postal stakeholders.

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump threatened to sign an Executive Order to abolish vote-by-mail. We are re-posting the NAPS Chat episode on which National Postal Museum Curator Carrie Villar discusses the history of vote by mail in the United States and its importance to the country. In addition, Bob summarizes NAPS efforts to ensure a smooth 2025 Postal Service Health Benefits Program Open Season. 

Former Washington Post columnist Joe Davidson joins Bob to discuss his reflections on reporting about the federal and postal workforce, and governmental operations. Joe David authored the Federal Insider column and previously wrote for the Wall Street Journal and the Philadelphia Inquirer. Moreover, Joe has been a trusted and respected reporter on issues that now dominate the operations of the federal government. 

NAPS Executive Vice President Chuck Mulidore joins Bob to discuss NAPS' successful efforts to defeat USPS employee cuts in the FY 2025 Budget Reconciliation Act. Chuck and Bob also talk about a July 2 Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Inspector General report, which warned of impending danger to the 2025 Postal Service Health Benefits Program open season. Chuck and Bob review NAPS' activities on Capitol Hill to ensure that OPM has the necessary resources to conduct the open season effectively. Finally, Chuck and Bob chat about potential EAS re-classifications due to plant changes, a July 24 Senate hearing  on two nominees to the USPS Board of Governors, and the 2025 "Cure for the Summertime Blues" SPAC Raffle.

Rep. Suhas Subramanyan (D-VA) joins Bob to discuss congressional activities having a direct impact on postal and federal employees, and his impressions of his first six months in the House of Representatives. Congressman Subramanyan serves on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Postal Service and the federal workforce. In addition, Bob provides a summary of the June 24 House postal hearing and recent "budget reconciliation" actions that could affect postal and federal employee pay and benefits.

Bob reflects on the legacy of late Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) and provide an update on NAPS' fight to protect postal benefits from congressional attacks on them. In addition, Bob provides an update on USPS governance changes.

National Association of Active and Retired Employees (NARFE) Vice President for Policy and Programs Vice President John Hatton joins Bob to discuss the recent budget attacks on the postal and federal employee community, and effective strategies to protect the benefits. John and Bob talk about the "budget reconciliation process" and legislation the House Oversight and Accountability Committee approved at its April 30 meeting, which advances $50.1 billion in federal benefit cuts. In addition, Bob references the imminent announcement of a new Postmaster General.

Recorded live at the 2025 NAPS Legislative Training Seminar, in Washington, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Legislative Representative Dr. Keith Abouchar joins Bob to discuss the importance of building and sustaining effective advocacy coalitions in the the legislative process. In addition, Keith and Bob talk about the current attacks against postal and federal employee benefits and what to expect.

National Association of Postal Supervisors Executive Vice President Chuck Mulidore joins Bob to discuss the upcoming 2025 NAPS Legislative Training Seminar (LTS) and its associated Legislative Rally, to be held on April 8, on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Chuck explains how this year's visit to Washington is unlike any visit in recent memory and what NAPS has planned to meet these consequential times.

American Enterprise Institute (AEI) Senior Fellow Dr. Kevin Kosar joins Bob to discuss press reports that President Trump plans to takeover the U.S. Postal Service by firing its Board of Governors, and folding its governance and operations into the Department of Commerce. Newly confirmed Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has expressed interest in "privatizing" the USPS. Kevin is the AEI's resident expert on Congress, the administrative state, American politics and the Postal Service.

Rep. George Latimer (D-NY) joins Bob to discuss the beginning of the 119th Congress, freshman orientation, his transition from elected local office to federal office, his expectations for the year, and his views relating to the U.S. Postal Service. In addition, Bob shares news relating to imminent attacks on postal health and retirement benefits though the congressional budget process.

In the holiday spirit, NAPS Branch 32 (Mid-Tennessee) President Robert Wakefield joins Bob to discuss the history of holiday greeting cards and postage stamps. In addition, Robert and Bob commiserate about correspondence that was sent during the time of the first Christmas and before.  In addition, Bob provides an end-of-year accounting of successful legislation to repeal the government pension offset and windfall elimination provision; changes on the two congressional committees with jurisdiction over the USPS; the emerging threat of postal privatization; and the failure of the Senate to confirm four nominees to the USPS Board of Governors. 

Recorded at the National Press Club, Federal News Network Reporter Jory Heckman and Bob Levi review the Postmaster General's recent interaction with the House and Senate at recent congressional hearings, as well as the Postal Regulatory Commission's ongoing assessment of the Delivering for America plan. Jory and Bob also discuss how Trump Administration and changes in Congress may impact the Postal Service. In addition, they talk about the just-uncovered unmet contract goals for the deployment of electric USPS delivery vehicles. 

Last month on NAPS Chat, USPS' Karla Kirby talked about the Postal Service Health Benefits Program (PSHBP) and what to expect. Karla referenced the USPS' partnership with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in implementing the new health program. On this episode, OPM Manager of Outreach and Program Services Jay Fritz joins Bob to discuss the just commenced PSHBP open season, program changes, premiums, benefits and the available tools to make health plan decisions. 

National Association of Postal Supervisors Executive Vice President Chuck Mulidore joins Bob to discuss the NAPS activities surrounding the consequential 2024 general elections.  Chuck and Bob talk about the historic investment the Supervisors Political Action Committee (SPAC) has made for this election cycle, as well as the impact postal supervisors, postal managers and postmasters will have in setting the legislative agenda for 2025 on postal issues.

Karla Kirby, executive director of the new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) program, joins Bob to discuss the inaugural "open season" of the program for postal employees and annuitants. Karla and Bob talk about the differing roles the USPS and the Office of Personnel Management have played, will continue to play in the implementation of the PSHB program, and what participants should anticipate.

Carrie Villar, director of curatorial affairs at the National Postal Museum joins Bob to discuss America's tradition of using the U.S. Postal Service to accept, transport and deliver election ballots. The is a history dating back to the Civil War. Coincidentally, on September 27, Postmaster General DeJoy testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, in part, to assure American voters that they should be confident in the Postal Service's vote by mail efforts. The subcommittee is chaired by Rep. David Joyce (R-OH).

Rep. Garrett Graves joins Bob to discuss his effort to force a House vote on H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act. Rep. Graves talks about his bipartisan work with Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) to finally address the unfair Social Security treatment suffered by millions of Americans who either worked for federal, state and  local governments, or are their dependents. Rep. Graves commended NAPS for prioritizing this issue and for waging a multi-pronged legislative campaign to secure the signatures of at least 218 members of the House to sign a discharge petition to bring H.R. 82 to a floor vote. You can join this campaign by linking to the campaign here. Bob also briefly talks about a Postal Service-hosted technical conference on the Delivering for America plan, which is a prerequisite for its request for an Postal Regulatory Commission Advisory Opinion on the plan.

Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) member Ashley Poling joins Bob at the NAPS' 69th Biennial National Convention to discuss how the PRC is casting much-needed illumination on the impact recent operational changes implemented by the Postal Service is having on the nation and on postal-reliant American citizens. In addition, Ashley and Bob talk about pending congressional legislation to provide the PRC with greater authority to ensure that the American public and the mailing community receive the mail service they expect and deserve.

As Congress approached its summer recess, congressional and regulatory concern over the Postal Service executive leadership's "Delivering for America" juggernaut grew. NAPS Legislative & Political Director Bob Levi discusses legislation and Senate confirmation hearings reflecting this reality and this gives voice to the American public's concerns. In addition, President Biden nominated two members to the USPS Board of Governors, one new and one who termed-out last year. Finally, the Supreme Court issued two decisions this past court term that may have implications for the Postal Service.

In honor of Independence Day, NAPS Chat continues its tradition of exploring our consequential postal past. Newly appointed US Postal Service Historian Steve Kochersperger joins Bob to discuss one of our more compelling postmaster generals, John "AJ" Creswell. Creswell, who served as PMG during post-Civil War Reconstruction, began to integrate the postal workforce, improved postal performance, reduced expenses, took on Congress, and introduced new postal products and innovations.  

Frank McCarthy, Founder and Principal of McCarthy Advanced Consulting (MAC) joins Bob to discuss his approach in representing multi-clients before Congress. Frank's advocacy operation generally lobbies on behalf of labor unions, primarily before Republican members of the House and Senate. Frank and Bob talk about the difference in promoting interest before Republican, Democratic and Independent members of Congress, and about coalition building. Bob also provides a short update relating to Congressional activities relating the so-called Delivering for America plan, including legislative language in a committee report accompanying the "Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Services and General Government Appropriation Bill."

Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) Chairman Michael Kubayanda joins Bob to discuss last month's Senate oversight hearing on the Postal Service, as well as the Commission's  regulatory activities relating the Postal Service's "Delivering for America" plan. As part of their conversation, Mike and Bob talk about the PRC's insistence that the USPS request a PRC Advisory Opinion on the plan. On May 16, about 3 hours after the episode taped, the USPS filed its refusal to make such a request at this time.

Federal News Network Reporter Jory Heckman joins Bob to discuss the April 16, 2024, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee postal oversight hearing, at which Postmaster General DeJoy, USPS Board of Governors Chair Martinez, PRC Chair Kubayanda and Postal IG Hull testified about the implementation of the "Delivering for America" plan. The committee focused on the impact that plan had on postal performance and finances. Jory covers the "postal beat" for the Federal News Network, which is picked up nationwide.   On behalf of the approximately 47,000 postal supervisors, supervisors and postmasters represented by NAPS, NAPS President Ivan Butts provided testimony that was included for the record. 

NAPS Executive Vice President Chuck Mulidore joins Bob to talk about the recently concluded 2024 NAPS Legislative Training Seminar and Lobbying Days on Capitol Hill. Chuck and Bob discuss the new legislative tools deployed at the conference, issues that members of Congress brought to the attention of NAPS activists, and a critical Postal Inspector General Audit Report relating to the establishment of a new regional processing and distribution center in Richmond, VA.

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), senior member of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, joins Bob to talk about the current state of the U.S. Postal Service, as we approach the second anniversary of the Postal Reform Act's enactment into law. At the time of the legislation's development and enactment, Rep. Connolly served as chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations, the panel with jurisdiction over the Postal Service. The congressman and Bob discuss postal performance and accountability, and what's the next step to ensure the agency remains vital.

Dr. Kevin Kosar, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), joins Bob at the 2024 NAPS Legislative Training Seminar. The chat, which was recorded live before approximately 500 NAPS legislative advocates attending the Washington legislative conference, covered the importance of measuring postal performance, the necessity of constructive congressional oversight of the Postal Service, the Postal Service's transition to package delivery, and the new-reality of the Postal Service being "mostly" self-sustaining. Dr. Kosar, in addition to being a scholar at the AEI, was formerly the Congressional Research Service's resident expert on the Postal Service.

Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), ranking member of the House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce, joins Bob to discuss the role of Congressional oversight in USPS operations, his postal priorities and how the Postal Service is viewed by his colleagues.

Former member of Congress Connie Morella (R-MD) joins Bob to reminisce about the days during which the House of Representatives acted with civility and labored on legislation important to the federal and postal workforce. During her 8 terms in Congress, Rep. Morella served on the House Postal Office and Civil Service Committee, and its successor, the House Committee on Government Reform. As a member of these two committees, Connie championed the interests of the postal and federal community.

Freshman member of Congress Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) joins Bob to reflect on her first year in the House of Representatives and to share her views on a number of postal and federal employee-related issues. In addition, Rep. Budzinski discusses her past experience in the labor movement and as a member of the Biden White House. 

On this, the 200th episode of NAPS Chat, National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Staff Vice President for Policy and Programs John Hatton joins Bob to discuss crucial challenges and potential  legislation relating to postal and retiree benefits in 2024. Also, Bob touches upon postal first-class on time performance during the current peak mail season, and congressional and regulatory reaction to it.

National Association of Postal Supervisors Executive Vice President Chuck Mulidore joins Bob to discuss important legislative and Postal Service operational issues that deeply concern key members of Congress. Among the items discussed is legislation introduced by Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which strives to better protect postal employees from escalating assaults while delivering the mail and to safeguard postal assets. In addition, Bob and Chuck talk about mounting congressional and USPS Board of Governors' concern about falling on-time first-class mail performance across the nation, testimony offered to the House Ways and Means Committee by former NAPS President Louis Atkins and current NAPS Auxiliary Secretary Treasurer Bonita Atkins regarding the Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, and the upcoming 2024 NAPS legislative conference in Washington.

The "open season" for choosing a Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan (FEHBP) option runs from November 13 thru December 12. The choices are numerous and stakes are high. For the fifth year in a row, Bob is being joined by Jay Fritz, the Office of Personnel Management executive tasked with coordinating the FEHBP open season. Jay and Bob discuss what's new for active and retired postal and federal employees in the FEHBP environment. In addition, they discuss what's driving premium increases and benefit changes.

A few weeks ago, Mark Action left the Postal Regulatory Commission with two decades of engagement with the postal community under his belt. Over a cup of coffee at local Washington, DC, coffee house, Mark shares with Bob his reflections about serving on the PRC and the agency's importance to ensure transparency, accountability and performance.

It appeared that the Statute of Freedom, which is sits atop the Capitol, needed scaffolding to stabilize it in the wake of the U.S. House of Representatives’ shutdown, resulting from the removal of Rep. Kevin McCarthy as Speaker. During this week's episode of NAPS Chat, Bob discusses the “House shutdown,” the overwhelming passage of a temporary government funding bill that sealed McCarthy’s fate, Senate confirmation of Robert Taub and Thomas Day to the Postal Regulatory Commission, a recent Postal Inspector General report on mail theft, and two pending U.S. Supreme Court cases that may have implications for the Postal Service, as well as other federal agencies.

During this week's episode of NAPS Chat, Smithsonian Institution Postal Museum Curator Lynn Heidelbaugh joins Bob to talk about U.S. mail transportation. One of the major components of the Delivering for American Plan is shifting from air transport to ground movement of letters and packages. Moving the Mail, is an ongoing exhibit at the National Postal Museum, which traces the evolution of mail transport. So, it would instructive to examine the reasons for different modes of mail movement. In addition, Bob talks about the nomination of former USPS Senior Vice President of Government Relations Thomas Day to the Postal Regulatory Commission and his recent confirmation hearing.

During this week's episode of NAPS Chat, Government Executive columnist and founder of "Retire Federal" Tammy Flanagan joins Bob to talk about the growing number of USPS retirees who seek post-retirement employment. Tammy and Bob talk about issues that such retirees ought to consider when embarking on an "encore career."  Bob also shares news relating to the September 7 Senate confirmation hearing of PRC Commissioner Robert Taub, and regulatory updates relating to the Delivering for America plan.

During this week's episode of NAPS Chat, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Association for Postal Commerce Michael Plunkett  joins Bob to talk about the role that PostCom plays in the postal space, and the current state of postal finances and operations.