Dale Strong Wins USPS Review on Huntsville Mail Disruptions

U.S. Representative Dale Strong has secured new federal oversight that will force the United States Postal Service (USPS) to account for how its consolidation of the Huntsville processing and distribution center has affected mail service in North Alabama.

The requirement is part of H.R. 7006, the Financial Services and General Government Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill, which advanced through the House this week. Under the provision, USPS must provide a detailed briefing to Congress on the local and regional impacts of the consolidation.

Strong, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, said the postal merger has hurt communities across his district. “The Postal Service’s short-sighted decision to strip Huntsville of its processing and distribution center has failed North Alabama communities,” he said in a statement.

The concern stems from reports of slower delivery times, service disruptions, and frustration among both residents and businesses since operations shifted away from Huntsville. Mail that once moved locally now routes through other regional facilities, a change locals and some lawmakers say has contributed to ongoing delays and reduced reliability.

Strong added, “This consolidation has led to delays, inefficiencies, and frustration for my constituents, and I will continue pressing USPS for answers and accountability.”

In addition to the evaluation requirement, the bill also directs USPS to examine address inaccuracies and overlapping ZIP code issues, including problems faced by Priceville, Alabama, which still lacks its own unique ZIP code

Strong first raised alarm over postal service problems after the consolidation began, including a May 2024 letter to the Postmaster General urging the agency to reinvest in a North Alabama processing center and restore stronger local service.

H.R. 7006 now moves to the Senate for consideration before it is sent to the President’s desk for signature.