In a collaborative effort to address persistent mail delivery delays, Congressman Al Green and Representative Sylvia Garcia convened a crucial meeting with the Inspector General for the United States Postal Service (USPS) on January 31, 2024. The focus of the discussion centered around the ongoing challenges at the USPS North Houston and South Houston Distribution Processing Centers.

During the meeting, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) disclosed an ongoing audit into the operational challenges and package backlog at the South Houston (Missouri City) Local Processing Center. Despite an inability to present immediate solutions to the delivery delays, the Inspector General expressed concern over customer allegations of difficulties in reaching USPS personnel for information. Staffing issues across the USPS were also acknowledged, potentially impacting performance at the Houston facilities.

Representative Green's concerns about transparency were acknowledged by the Inspector General, who highlighted a previous town hall meeting recommendation in an unrelated audit report. Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia emphasized the importance of addressing the constituents' concerns and announced that the OIG is actively investigating the matter, pledging to provide a comprehensive report with recommendations.

"After weeks of collaboration with Representative Al Green to demand action, the Office of the Inspector General has responded and is currently in Houston investigating this matter. We are committed to delivering a full report of our findings with recommendations," stated Rep. Sylvia Garcia. "Our constituents have voiced their concerns loudly: USPS has failed them. This is unacceptable, and we will continue working until reliable mail delivery is the norm."

Congressman Al Green emphasized the need for transparency and eagerly awaits the USPS's comprehensive report on the North and South Houston facilities. The report is anticipated to shed light on the challenges faced and provide recommendations for improving delivery services. Both representatives plan to tour the plants before the March elections and advocate for an on-site customer service agent at the Missouri City plant to assist customers with mail delay issues.