USPS Is Running Out of Money—And Its Pension Could Be at Risk
Description
On March 17, 2026, David Marroni, Director of Physical Infrastructure at the U.S. Government Accountability Office, delivered testimony before the Subcommittee on Government Operations, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, U.S. House of Representatives.
The U.S. Postal Service is facing a growing financial crisis-and its pension obligations are a major part of the problem.
In this report, the U.S. Government Accountability Office examines how USPS has struggled to maintain financial stability while continuing to meet nationwide service requirements. USPS has not made required payments toward its pension obligations, resulting in over $20 billion in missed contributions.
At the same time, USPS has accumulated massive losses, borrowed billions, and faces new financial pressures in the coming years. Without action, the agency could run out of cash as early as 2027.
This report breaks down:
The growing USPS pension shortfall
Why the current business model isn't sustainable
What Congress and USPS may need to change
What this means for mail service across the country
The U.S. Postal Service is facing a growing financial crisis-and its pension obligations are a major part of the problem.
In this report, the U.S. Government Accountability Office examines how USPS has struggled to maintain financial stability while continuing to meet nationwide service requirements. USPS has not made required payments toward its pension obligations, resulting in over $20 billion in missed contributions.
At the same time, USPS has accumulated massive losses, borrowed billions, and faces new financial pressures in the coming years. Without action, the agency could run out of cash as early as 2027.
This report breaks down:
The growing USPS pension shortfall
Why the current business model isn't sustainable
What Congress and USPS may need to change
What this means for mail service across the country