USPS Responds to Crockett Letter on Worker Protections Following Death of Eugene Gates

WASHINGTON — Today, December 14, 2023, Congresswoman Crockett received a response from the United States Postal Service to the multiple letters Rep. Crockett has sent the agency following the death of TX-30 postal worker Eugene Gates in June 2023. Notably, the letter responds to Rep. Crockett's inquiry on when and if updated vehicles with air-conditioning will be provided to Texas to replace older vehicles without air conditioning currently in operation in the Lone Star State.

The response reads in part, "Specific locations for deployment of the vehicles and infrastructure are still being finalized; however, a significant percentage of new vehicles is expected to be deployed in Texas.  The Postal Service supports delivery to every community in the United States, so vehicles will be assigned based on individual route characteristics (such as whether a left-hand drive vehicle is mission suitable) and other operational considerations, including available infrastructure (electric or fuel)."

Rep. Crockett released the following statement in response to the letter: "I am grateful USPS is acknowledging the grave concerns I and my constituents have about this issue and that it appears to be taking steps to address them. While we do not know how things might have ended if Mr. Gates had access to an air-conditioned truck on that triple-digit day this past June, prioritizing newer, air-conditioned trucks to Texas is an important step in protecting our postal workers in the years to come. I will be closely monitoring the deployment of the modernized USPS fleet in Texas, and will continue to push USPS to update and oversee compliance of its heat mitigation policies. I am also renewing my calls to my Republican colleagues to hold a congressional hearing on improving the safety and welfare of federal employees at USPS. Mr. Gates' legacy demands nothing less."

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Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett represents portions of Dallas and Tarrant Counties, with the cities of Dallas, Grand Prairie, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Duncanville, Glenn Heights, Hutchins, Wilmer, Arlington, Ovilla, and Seagoville.