Burchett talks to postmaster general

KNOXVILLE — Congressman Tim Burchett has met with US Postal Service leadership about its mail processing facility review process — as well as problems at the Maryville post office

Burchett said via press release on Wednesday that he and US Postmaster General Louis DeJoy discussed a variety of topics, including whether distribution operations will be relocated from Knoxville, Tennessee to Louisville, Kentucky.

"I sent my initial letter in December, and while I'm glad I got the opportunity to speak with postmaster DeJoy on the phone, it honestly shouldn’t have taken this long,” Burchett said.

Burchett said postmaster DeJoy shared details on how he is working to make USPS more efficient and assured him of the importance of the Knoxville facility.

“I was able to raise my concerns with the possible relocation of local distribution operations and encourage him and his team to share his plans with the public as soon as possible,” Burchett said. “It was a productive conversation not only about my thoughts on the Knoxville facility but also regarding our overworked and understaffed mail carriers.”

Additionally, Rep Burchett was able to address mounting issues at the Maryville Post Office as well as other widespread mail delivery concerns across East Tennessee.

Burchett serves on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, one of the congressional committees with jurisdiction over the postal service.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Postmaster Dejoy on making sure USPS prioritizes the needs of East Tennesseans,” said Rep. Burchett.