In The News

Rep. Rick Allen says he’s “very disappointed” after the U.S. Postal Service followed through with its plan to shut down mailing services at Surrey Center Pharmacy — a move that’s drawing fresh backlash.

The closure isn’t just a local issue. Allen and other lawmakers say it reflects a broader problem with the troubled agency — prompting new legislation and a bipartisan push to protect access to postal services nationwide.
The pharmacy itself is not closing; just the postal contract is being canceled.

For decades, the drugstore has had a contract to offer many of the same services a post office does.

But the Postal Service recently decided to pull that contract.

The move frustrated the pharmacy owner, customers and Allen, who filed legislation to keep things like this from being such a surprise.

“Since 1979, this USPS location has been a meaningful resource for residents and businesses, with lifelong relationships forged between staff and customers,” Allen said Monday. “Though a renewal was offered, our months-long effort in coordination with the pharmacy and USPS did not result in agreeable terms.”

He said he’ll keep working to make sure this type of thing doesn’t happen again.

Allen, who met with the postmaster general and pushed for transparency, expressed frustration over the outcome: “Simply put, this was the wrong decision,” he said.

However, he added: “I have every confidence that Surrey Center Pharmacy will continue to be a vibrant pillar of this community.”

The Postal Service says there’s a full-service post office less than four miles away, but that explanation hasn’t satisfied pharmacy owner Courtnee Russ or her customers.

“We are extremely disappointed to not be able to come to agreeable terms with the United States Postal Service,” Russ said.

“I cannot thank Congressman Rick Allen and his staff enough for all of the hard work and effort they have put into this process. They left no stone unturned and were faithful in their commitment to help our business, customers, and their constituents. We look forward to continuing to serve our community in new ways and appreciate the support and love from all of our customers.”

Allen met with Postmaster General David Steiner and had several discussions with congressional liaisons demanding answers on the move to end the pharmacy’s contract.

But his staff said the Postal Service has “consistently ignored requests for hard data and transparency.”

Allen, R-Augusta, along with Rep. George Whitesides, D-Calif., last week unveiled the Contract Postal Unit Transparency Act.

The bill would force the Postal Service to slow down closures and explain their impact — a move Allen hopes will prevent future surprises like the one at Surrey Center Pharmacy.

AT A GLANCE

In Washington: Bill would require Postal Service to ...

1. Publish a report on impacts of such closures and outline steps to maintain access to postal services.
2. Report to Congress on reasons for closing or consolidating the affected location.
3. Hold a public hearing and publish a summary of input received.
4. Delay closures until 180 days after the summary is published.

Separately, House members have created a bipartisan caucus to focus on the U.S. Postal Service, with the goal of ensuring the agency’s survival.

The move comes three years after major bipartisan postal reforms and amid an increase in attempted robberies and attacks on letter carriers.

The CSRA has not been immune from these robberies, with the criminals typically wanting the master keys to mail drop-off and pickup boxes so they can steal checks.

Law enforcement officers in Richmond County say this is a major source of funding for gangs.

Members of the caucus are pushing for legislation that protects one of America’s oldest and most vital institutions, with a focus on issues such as preventing privatization and advocating for postal workers.

Allen will not be part of the caucus.