**GAO-10-538T**                      Published: Mar 18, 2010. Publicly Released: Mar 18, 2010.                  

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## Highlights

The U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) financial condition and outlook deteriorated significantly during fiscal year 2009. USPS was not able to cut costs fast enough to offset declining mail volume and revenues resulting from the economic recession and changes in the use of mail, such as electronic bill payment. In July 2009, GAO added USPS's financial condition and outlook to its High-Risk List and reported that USPS urgently needed to restructure to improve its financial viability. Declines in mail volume and revenue, large financial losses, increasing debt, and financial obligations will continue to challenge USPS. This testimony provides (1) information on USPS's financial condition and forecast and (2) GAO's perspective on the need for USPS restructuring. In addition, questions and issues are included for Congress to consider regarding USPS's proposal to reduce delivery from 6 to 5 days. This testimony is based on GAO's past and ongoing work, including its work on postal reform issues, its report adding USPS's financial condition and outlook to its High-Risk List, and updated information on USPS's financial condition and outlook.

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## Topics

Government Operations

AccountabilityBudget obligationsCost analysisCost controlDebtFinancial analysisFinancial managementFinancial statementsFuture budget projectionsLossesPostal serviceRetirement benefitsRisk assessmentRisk managementStandardsRetail facilitiesBulk mail services