Chicago Crusader: The stability of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) hangs in the balance as President Donald Trump pushes for privatization or merging it with the U.S. Department of Commerce, despite the postal service being an independent federal agency.

The famous adage—“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds”—has adorned the New York General Post Office since 1914, capturing the spirit of America’s mail carriers. Yet, the originators of this phrase could scarcely have envisioned a real-estate magnate turned reality television personality turned president threatening to auction off the entire institution to the highest bidder.

In keeping with the Trump administration’s blueprint, guided by the Heritage Foundation’s 900-page “Mandate for Leadership,” the postal service has been framed as an outdated “government monopoly” whose mission is no longer essential and whose losses should no longer be borne by the public. The president has reportedly called USPS “incompetent” and “untrustworthy.”

The remedy is to “sell off the post office and allow it to run as a private business,” opening core mail and package markets to full competition and ending congressional price and service controls, according to Dr. Parker Sheppard, a research fellow for The Heritage Foundation’s Center for Data Analysis.

Congressional leaders have pushed back against the notion. Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), in delivering the opening statement before the June 24 Subcommittee on Government Operations hearing to address the USPS restructuring efforts, has been a forceful voice in protecting America’s postal workers and the services it provides.

“The Postal Service has an immense duty dating back to its creation—it powers communities and businesses, it keeps Americans healthy, it reinforces democracy, and it bridges geographical, economic, and cultural divides,” Rep. Mfume said. “Importantly, its universal service obligation ensures equitable access to prompt, reliable and efficient mail services….”

Read more: Federal threats to privatize U.S. Postal Service continue