But the fact is, Mr. Chairman, for all the challenges the Postal Service of the 21st century faces, it still retains its traditional place as a key cog in how American businesses conduct their affairs and how Americans all across this land communicate.

In the Armed Services Committee, we endeavored to put forth proposals that would help alleviate some of that stress, both for the troops and for their families.

As America celebrates Memorial Day, we pay tribute to those who have given their lives in our nation's wars.

The more we focus on using renewable fuels, the less we are dependent upon foreign oil.

We have already seen evidence that, notwithstanding the addition of substantial resources, we are experiencing great stress in recruiting and not inconsequential retention problems.

My hope is that we continue to do an even better job in terms of our nation's energy policy, so that we may even further reduce our reliance on foreign sources of oil and take better care of our environment in the process.

Americans have an expectation that the Postal Service will abide by its well-known, although unofficial, motto - a commitment to deliver.