Press Releases

Los Angeles – Today, Representatives Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) and Adam Schiff (CA-28) sent a letter to United States Postal Service Inspector Patricia Armstrong, the Inspector in Charge for the Los Angeles Division at U.S. Postal Inspection Service, urging a full investigation into two separate incidences of unopened USPS mail and packages being improperly discarded in a parking lot and alleyway in Glendale, CA. It has been reported this action was taken by USPS contractors.

“This matter is of grave importance, as it comes at a time when there are still questions and concerns about the Postal Service and accessibility for residents and business owners, as a direct result of deliberate policy changes to the service from the President of the United States and his Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy,” the Members wrote in their letter. “Millions of Americans rely on the postal service every day – we’ve heard from veterans and seniors waiting weeks to receive medication, small businesses who are losing money due to package delays, and of course, millions of citizens who are concerned that their mail-in ballots won’t be counted.”

Gomez and Schiff are requesting the Postal Inspection Service conduct a full investigation, and keep Congress fully updated as the investigation progresses, including whether these were isolated incidents or part of a broader pattern.

The full text of the letter is below:

Dear Inspector Armstrong:

We write regarding two separate incidents of unopened USPS mail and packages being improperly discarded in a parking lot and an alleyway in Glendale, CA, reportedly by contractors.[1] We understand these matters have been reported to the Postal Inspection Service and the Glendale Police Department, and are under ongoing investigation. As the law enforcement, crime prevention, and security arm of the Postal Service, we support the Postal Inspection Service’s efforts to investigate these matters fully.

This matter is of grave importance, as it comes at a time when there are still questions and concerns about the Postal Service and accessibility for residents and business owners, as a direct result of deliberate policy changes to the service from the President of the United States and his Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy. Millions of Americans rely on the postal service every day – we’ve heard from veterans and seniors waiting weeks to receive medication, small businesses who are losing money due to package delays, and of course, millions of citizens who are concerned that their mail-in ballots won’t be counted.

We respectfully request that Congress be kept appropriately apprised as the investigation continues, including whether these were isolated incidents or part of a broader issue. We would appreciate an update on the status of the investigation and efforts to prevent future mishandling of mail. Thank you for your attention to this important matter and we look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

ADAM B. SCHIFF
Member of Congress

JIMMY GOMEZ
Member of Congress

[1] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mail-dumped-glendale-parking-lot-los-anagles-area/