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D.C. (NewsDakota.com) – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today welcomed U.S. Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe to North Dakota, saying the visit will allow him to see firsthand the importance of a quality postal service in the state, and the impact it has on North Dakota jobs and mail service. Heitkamp, a member of the Committee that oversees the United States Postal Service (USPS), is working to reform the USPS to better address the unique needs of rural states.

“By visiting North Dakota, Postmaster Donahoe will be able to see for himself how crucial a strong postal service is for our state, and I thank Senator Hoeven for hosting him,” said Heitkamp, who is currently in Canada for three days discussing North Dakota’s energy production with top Canadian officials and exploring how Canada and the U.S. can work together toward North American energy independence. “In North Dakota, the postal service plays a vital role in our way of life – it creates jobs, boosts our local economies, and provides a valuable service for residents. Changes must be made to address USPS’ financial challenges, but that stability can’t be bought by slashing jobs and services in rural communities. As we debate how to reform the USPS on my Committee, I will fight to shape legislation that takes into account North Dakota’s unique needs.”

Heitkamp is dedicated to making sure rural America is treated fairly in any comprehensive postal reform legislation. As the Senate works on a new postal reform bill, she is continuing to fight for North Dakota’s interests and stand up for rural communities and rural jobs.

Earlier this summer during a meeting with Donahoe, Heitkamp secured a commitment from Donahoe to help solve some of the postal challenges facing North Dakota. The Postmaster promised assistance in meeting hiring challenges in North Dakota and improved service for oil field housing units.

On February 15, Heitkamp and 23 other Senators sent a letter to Donahoe expressing their concerns about how USPS’ plans to move to five-day mail delivery service could disproportionately hurt jobs and mail service in rural communities, including throughout North Dakota. On March 7, she personally met with Donahoe to explain the harmful impact of five-day mail delivery on rural communities. In April, USPS announced it would continue six-day mail delivery.