Bonamici, Wyden, Merkley Demand Answers from USPS About Mail Delivery Problems on Oregon Coast

October 16, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC [10/16/26] – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley demanded answers from the United States Postal Service (USPS) about significant ongoing mail delivery issues in Astoria and surrounding areas. The lawmakers noted that the city government, county government, and several downtown businesses are within a few blocks of the Astoria Post Office, but they have not been receiving mail regularly, and some are not receiving mail at all. “The Astoria Post Office will not hold mail for city officials to pick up, which has caused major disruptions in local commerce and governance,” the Members of Congress wrote. “Payments sent through the mail to the city are being delivered late or not being delivered at all and downtown businesses are experiencing sporadic delivery. We are hearing concerning anecdotes indicating that Amazon packages, which are delivered via USPS in Astoria, are still regularly arriving on time. It’s unacceptable that mail from a billion-dollar retailer is successfully delivered to its destination on time, but mail to and from local small businesses is unreliable.” The Members of Congress demanded answers to a series of oversight questions and requested that USPS set a time to meet with local elected officials in Clatsop and Columbia counties. They also requested USPS hold an informational session within the next 60 days for residents to discuss the agency's plans to address these issues. “Timely, reliable mail delivery is essential infrastructure. Businesses, residents, and local governments rely on USPS for commerce, communication, medications, and more,” the Members of Congress wrote. “This is not an exhaustive list of issues with USPS brought to our attention.” On October 15, 2026, Representative Bonamici visited the Astoria Post Office in person and asked to speak with the Postmaster to try to find a solution to the late and missing mail. The Postmaster denied the request. The full letter can be read here and below: Dear Postmaster General Steiner: We write with significant concerns about the state of operations of the United States Postal Service (USPS) in northwest Oregon. Many community members from across the region are alarmed about inconsistent and unacceptable USPS delivery. In Astoria, the city government, county government, and several downtown businesses have not been receiving mail regularly, and some are not receiving mail at all. This is happening despite the Astoria Post Office’s central location, just minutes away from Astoria City Hall and the county government building. Additionally, the Astoria Post Office will not hold mail for city officials to pick up which has caused major disruptions in local commerce and governance. Payments sent through the mail to the city are being delivered late or not being delivered at all and downtown businesses are experiencing sporadic delivery. We are hearing concerning anecdotes indicating that Amazon packages, which are delivered via USPS in Astoria, are still regularly arriving on time. It’s unacceptable that mail from a billion-dollar retailer is successfully delivered to its destination on time, but mail to and from local small businesses is unreliable. The city had scheduled a meeting with the Astoria Postmaster to work to resolve the issue, but the Postmaster did not attend, and the meeting has not been rescheduled. In Warrenton, USPS has been looking for a new post office location for several years. When the city of Warrenton has asked USPS about location options, USPS directs inquiries to a third-party contractor. This contractor directs all inquiries back to the USPS, resulting in a frustrating cycle where constituents are no closer to getting answers to their questions. In Gearhart, roughly half the residents in town must travel to the Seaside post office to get their mail which is an unacceptable inconvenience for Gearhart residents. We have been advised that one possible solution involves the placement of a 950-unit cluster box which is exceedingly difficult for a town this size. It is unacceptable that residents of Gearhart cannot receive home delivery or at least have cluster boxes installed at several points throughout the community. The USPS must find a reasonable solution. Furthermore, there are concerning reports that mail pickup is inaccessible on Saturdays to Gearhart residents. Recently, residents in Gearhart have heard rumors that the Seaside Post office will be remodeled to accommodate permanent mail pick up for Gearhart residents. Though Gearhart residents want a permanent solution to the problems they experience receiving mail, travelling to Seaside is not a practical or acceptable long-term or permanent solution. Similar issues of concern also exist in Columbia County. In Rainier, roughly a third of the town is not included in the mail route and must use a PO Box. If mail is addressed to a home that is ineligible for home delivery instead of to their PO Box, the mail is not held – it is returned to sender. In a world where people often shop online, many online retailers don’t offer a format for a PO Box address, resulting in orders never reaching their intended addresses. Finally, it is concerning that not every residence is eligible for home delivery in Rainier, considering the small size of the town and well-maintained streets. Timely, reliable mail delivery is essential infrastructure. Businesses, residents, and local governments rely on USPS for commerce, communication, medications, and more. This is not an exhaustive list of issues with USPS brought to our attention. We ask that you respond to us in writing within 14 days of receipt of this letter outlining how the USPS will address the issues described and answer the following questions: When will Astoria downtown businesses, city government, and county government receive regular mail services? When will USPS announce a new location for the Warrenton post office? What is the current status of the search? Please provide the name and contact information for a specific person who can provide updates to the city. Why are so many Gearhart residents unable to receive mail at their doors? What is the plan to deliver mail to residents in Gearhart and/or provide additional PO boxes in Gearhart? Why are some residents of Rainier, who live within city limits, unable to receive mail at home? If these issues are caused by post offices being understaffed, what is USPS doing to remedy this? In light of the volume and gravity of these concerns, we respectfully request that USPS set a time to meet with local elected officials in Clatsop and Columbia counties. We also ask that USPS hold an informational session within the next 60 days for residents to discuss the agency's plans to address these issues. Our offices will gladly work with USPS and community leaders to find mutually agreeable times and locations for these meetings. Sincerely, ###