WATCH: Biden Official Loses It, Covers His Ears During Hearing On His Agency

U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy stunned members of Congress on Wednesday when he covered his ears during a House Oversight Committee hearing, drawing sharp criticism from Representative Rich McCormick (R-GA). The unusual exchange underscored growing tensions over the financial state of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), which has faced mounting losses despite DeJoy’s leadership and reforms.

The hearing, “Oversight of the U.S. Postal Service,” was intended to evaluate USPS’s progress and ongoing challenges under DeJoy’s tenure. While the Postmaster General touted his long-term strategy for stabilizing the Postal Service, frustrations boiled over after DeJoy gave himself an “A” for his leadership.

“You cannot give yourself that grade,” Rep. McCormick shot back, questioning the basis for such a high self-assessment amid continued USPS struggles.

“I just did,” DeJoy retorted before adding dismissively, “You’re talking to yourself.” The scene escalated when McCormick, appearing visibly exasperated, pointed out DeJoy’s response as emblematic of the Postal Service’s lack of accountability.

“You are responsible for the fall of the Postal Service,” McCormick told DeJoy.

WATCH:

Concerns about the USPS’s financial sustainability and declining service quality were at the core of the hearing. While DeJoy has argued that his reforms—outlined in the 10-year “Delivering for America” plan—will set the Postal Service on a path to profitability, many lawmakers remain unconvinced.

McCormick and others highlighted USPS’s staggering financial losses, which have continued to climb despite DeJoy’s cost-cutting measures and operational changes. The Postal Service reported a loss of $6.5 billion in fiscal year 2023, a stark reminder of the long-term challenges that predate DeJoy’s appointment but remain unresolved under his leadership.

“I give Mr. DeJoy credit for delivering a plan to fix the Postal Service. But the Postal Service is hemorrhaging red ink. This year’s loss was almost $10 billion. Next year’s loss is projected to be $6.5 billion,” said Chairman James Comer (R-KY). “When you predicted the Postal Service could break even, did you not foresee some of these other issues? The Postal Service has added over 100,000 career employees, but your personnel costs and retirement expenses are your biggest liabilities. This isn’t going to work unless you look for ways to do more with fewer people.”

“Our drive is to reduce cost and grow revenue. We are introducing new products now to increase revenue… we will decrease our operating costs and increase our revenue. This is the best plan,” DeJoy said during the hearing.

Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) highlighted the Trump Administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) upcoming initiatives and stressed the need for the USPS to adopt more cost-effective operational methods.

“I am a part of the upcoming Department of Government Efficiency effort. That is DOGE,” said Sessions. “There will be lots of conversation about USPS and other matters of government efficiency. I have found in the past, not to be critical, that the post office does not always prioritize saving money. We should focus on potential savings… The USPS needs to be ready and see these things coming publicly. We need to look at efficiency and hear your ideas, and you hear ours to save money.”

DeJoy replied, “I’m happy to engage in any discussion.”

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