USPS Is Running Out of Money—And Its Pension Could Be at Risk

On March 17, 2026, David Marroni, Director of Physical Infrastructure at the U.S. Government Accountability Office, delivered testimony before the Subcommittee on Government Operations, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, U.S. House of Representatives. The U.S. Postal Service is facing a growing financial crisis—and its pension obligations are a major part of the problem. In this report, the U.S. Government Accountability Office examines how USPS has struggled to maintain financial stability while continuing to meet nationwide service requirements. USPS has not made required payments toward its pension obligations, resulting in over $20 billion in missed contributions. At the same time, USPS has accumulated massive losses, borrowed billions, and faces new financial pressures in the coming years. Without action, the agency could run out of cash as early as 2027. This report breaks down: The growing USPS pension shortfall Why the current business model isn’t sustainable What Congress and USPS may need to change What this means for mail service across the country Check out the report: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-1... Learn more about GAO: gao.gov/about Check out the WatchBlog: gao.gov/blog Check out our Podcasts: gao.gov/podcast Follow GAO on Social Media: X.com/usgao Instagram.com/usgao LinkedIn.com/company/us-government    / usgao   Facebook.com/usgao Flickr.com/photos/usgao General Information: The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress. Often called the "congressional watchdog," GAO investigates how the federal government spends taxpayer dollars. Mission: Our Mission is to support the Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities and to help improve the performance and ensure the accountability of the federal government for the benefit of the American people. We provide Congress with timely information that is objective, fact-based, nonpartisan, non-ideological, fair, and balanced. Disclaimer: The U.S. GAO does not promote or endorse any non-Government or commercial content appearing on this page. #GovernmentAccountabilityOffice #CongressionalWatchdog #USGAO