Thank you, Chairman Collins. It is indeed an honor and a privilege to serve as your ranking member today. I wish to join you in welcoming our distinguished witnesses – Postmaster General John Potter and Comptroller General David Walker.

I commend our panelists for their focused attention, determination, and passion on what I consider a key public policy issue – how to modernize and sustain the U.S. Postal Service.

Even before the Presidential Postal Commission was convened, GAO warned that the long-term financial outlook of the Postal Service was at risk without significant changes. At this Committee's request, the Service developed a Transformation Plan that offered its vision for the future.

The U.S. economy depends on a strong and viable Postal Service, which anchors a $900 billion mailing industry that generates eight percent of our Gross Domestic Product.

Nor can we ignore that for many Americans, the Postal Service is their only contact with the federal government. The delivery of mail six days a week at an affordable rate is an essential service and a critical lifeline for many citizens living in rural areas or states like Hawaii and Alaska.

The good news is that productivity is up; overnight performance is at its highest level; and over 93 percent of consumers are satisfied with their service.

However, the continued decline in First Class Mail is just one reminder that the long-term stability of the Postal Service remains at risk.

This Committee understands and appreciates the challenges facing the Postal Service. It is in this spirit that I look forward to discussing the Commission's recommendations with Postmaster General Potter and Comptroller General Walker.

Although we may disagree on some of the recommendations, I am hopeful that our common goal of guaranteeing the future of the Postal Service will bridge any chasm.

I will work with our Chairman on bipartisan legislation that will preserve universal service at an affordable price and honor the Postal Service's commitments to its employees and retirees. Thank you Senator Collins. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses.