Faced with growing criticism of the way he manages USPS operations, DeJoy was questioned during a congressional hearing on Thursday about the note he should receive for his efforts.
At first, DeJoy resisted self-assessment, saying “I don’t grade, I just work”, adding later “I’m not going to grade myself”.
After being pressured by Democratic Representative Mark Pocan of Wisconsin, DeJoy finally said, “I would give myself an ‘A’ for bringing strategy, planning and effort here.”
“And, as I did in my last testimony in Congress as the leader of the organization, I take responsibility for how we did this season. And I apologize to the American public,” said DeJoy before a House appropriations subcommittee, the latest a series of apologies. since last year.
DeJoy, meanwhile, also found himself repeatedly on the hot seat at Capitol Hill during hearings on USPS operations, where he fought with Democratic lawmakers over sluggish delivery rates, the 2020 elections and an upcoming 10-year plan to review the postal service.
In another contentious discussion on Thursday, Michigan Democratic MP Brenda Lawrence questioned DeJoy about postal service operations and asked him to provide Congress with details of the upcoming changes to the USPS.
“I will use all the power I have to demand that you stop making press releases about massive changes and at least give the United States Congress the courtesy of knowing your plan,” said Lawrence, who has had a 30-year career. in the postal service.
DeJoy responded first by noting how Lawrence is “well known and respected in the Post Office for his career and position today”. “But honestly, today’s postal service and the condition we are in is not the postal service of 2008 when you retired,” he continued. “We are in a terrible, terrible financial crisis.”
Lawrence replied, “I’m not naive,” and said he has been monitoring the operations of the USPS while in Congress. “So, please, don’t imply that I’m ignorant.”
After this shuttle, later in the hearing, Lawrence emphasized that there is a need for a partnership between the USPS and Congress.
“I don’t want to be in this position again where we are doing well and you seem bored and arrogant in answering questions. We must work together because the postal service is bigger than you and me,” she said.
DeJoy acknowledged that he is sometimes “a little embarrassed” by his behavior during these hearings, which are often heated by criticism of his decision making at the head of the USPS.
“Yes, there are times when I get out of these sessions and I’m a little embarrassed by my behavior,” said DeJoy.
“But I would also offer – I have been accused of many, many, many things every time I come before Congress. And I am a human being and I am trying to do the right thing. And I apologize to you if I have offended you in any way” he said to Lawrence.