WASHINGTON - American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement regarding the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Hearing - Outside the Box: Reforming and Renewing the Postal Service, Part I - Maintaining Services, Reducing Costs and Increasing Revenue Through Innovation and Modernization.

"The paper industry has a vested stake in the success of the Postal Service, as approximately one-third, or $6 billion of consumer demand for paper-based communications and commerce is delivered through the mail system." 

"AF&PA appreciates the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee's attention to postal reform and is eager to see legislation that will help the Postal Service achieve long-term viability by realigning its outdated cost structure, encouraging new revenue sources, and leveraging its unique infrastructure to meet the service needs of future customers."

"While there are several constructive provisions in the recently introduced Postal Reform Act of 2013, there are other provisions in the bill that are counterproductive and will threaten the postal system as a competitive option for business communication and commerce."

"We look forward to working with the Committee on comprehensive postal reform legislation that not only alleviates unreasonable financial burdens, but preserves and attracts customers."