Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, both representing Alaska, along with Representative Mary Peltola, have urged the Postal Regulatory Commission to dismiss a proposal by the United States Postal Service (USPS) for increased postal rates in non-contiguous areas of the U.S., including Alaska. The Congressional representatives from Alaska and Hawaii, as well as delegates from U.S. territories, signed a letter stating that the USPS plan "to single-out select remote and rural communities for disproportionate price increases is inconsistent with the Postal Service’s Constitutional purpose and with its historical approach of a uniform price structure for customers, no matter where in the nation a resident lives."

The USPS proposal aims to introduce higher Zone 10 rates for certain products such as Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage. These changes would affect mail sent to Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. Territories.

Senator Sullivan expressed strong opposition to these proposed rate hikes: “This proposed increase in rates for Alaska and other non-contiguous states and territories is outrageous,” he said. He highlighted concerns about Alaskans who are heavily dependent on USPS services due to geographical constraints and noted his intention to meet with the Postmaster General regarding this issue.

Senator Murkowski echoed these sentiments: “Postal Service price increases on Alaskans living in remote and rural communities are unfair, harmful, and go against the USPS mission of uniform delivery for all Americans.” She called upon the Postal Regulatory Commission to reject any rate increases that would adversely affect Alaskans already burdened by high living costs.

Representative Peltola emphasized the critical role of postal services in connecting Alaskans to essential goods: “Alaskans rely on the Postal Service for more than just mail—it is a lifeline to the rest of the world.” She pointed out that increasing costs without evidence could significantly impact daily life in both urban and rural parts of Alaska.