The Congress is to be congratulated on the passage of the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006. I would single out for extraordinary effort Senators Susan Collins, Joseph Lieberman and Thomas Carper and Representatives Thomas Davis, Henry Waxman, John McHugh and Danny Davis for making reform a reality.

We are grateful that the funding for USPS retiree military service obligations will be borne by the Treasury. This, combined with release of the escrow funds, will be used for retiree health benefits. We look forward to working with the mailing community, USPS employees, the Postal Regulatory Commission and the Treasury on implementation of the pending legislation and delivery of affordable universal service to all Americans for many years to come.