Strong secures evaluation of USPS processing center closure

WASHINGTON— Representative Dale Strong, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, has secured an evaluation of the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) consolidation of Huntsville’s processing and distribution center – a move that has disrupted mail service across North Alabama.

The provision was included in H.R. 7006, the Financial Services and General Government Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill, which advanced as part of the appropriations package passed earlier this week. It will require USPS to provide a briefing on the impacts of consolidating the Huntsville processing and distribution center, including its impact on mail service to North Alabama.

“The Postal Service’s short-sighted decision to strip Huntsville of its processing and distribution center has failed North Alabama communities,” said Representative Strong.

Congress remains deeply concerned about the negative impacts of consolidation, including degraded mail service, declining customer satisfaction, and cost overruns.

“This consolidation has led to delays, inefficiencies, and frustration for my constituents, and I will continue pressing USPS for answers and accountability,” said Strong. 

Strong has long raised concerns about USPS delays and operational failures following the Huntsville consolidation. In May 2024, he authored a letter to the Postmaster General urging USPS to reinvest in a North Alabama-based processing and distribution center and reverse decisions that have weakened service for residents and businesses.

Separately, Strong also secured a provision directing USPS to conduct an internal assessment of inaccurate address listings and overlapping zip code designations, including the long-standing issues affecting Priceville, Alabama, which lacks its own unique zip code.

H.R. 7006 now awaits consideration in the Senate before being sent to the President’s desk to be signed into law.