Protesters rally around SoCal in support of U.S. Postal Service amid challenges
HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- In a move to shore up the U.S. Postal Service, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill reversing recent changes in postal operations and giving the agency $25 billion in new funding. But many voters fear it won't be enough since it's unlikely Republicans will take up the bill in the Senate.
From Hollywood to New York protesters took to the streets all across the country in a show of support for the Postal Service.
The House met in a rare Saturday session, approving legislation that will prioritize all official election mail as first class and prohibits the removal of sorting machines and mailboxes, which some say has contributed to delays in mail delivery.
More than two dozen Republicans joined Democrats defying house GOP leaders and President Trump who reacted to the vote on Twitter calling it a hoax by the Democrats.
"Don't pay any attention to what the President is saying, because it is all designed to suppress the vote," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Fourty-four states plus Washington D.C. are now allowing any registered voter who wants to vote by mail to do so.
With the Postal Service at the center of the nations contentious election year, it has many concerned for the future.
Hollywood was one of hundreds of cities nationwide where protesters made their way into the streets on Saturday, rallying to save the U.S. Postal Service.
Tom Edgar, a Hollywood resident, says he's a descendant of Benjamin Franklin, founder of the post office.
"It's the Postal Service. Why are they killing postal service? Everyone depends on the postal service," Edgar said at a demonstration.
Edgar's frustration led to him to bring his wife, Grace, and son Ben. He was in full support of demonstrator Ian Fung's sign.
"Whatever political stripe you are, you should have the ability to vote unhindered. So I'm here to support the post office," said Fung.
Organizers with Northridge Indivisible gathered in Hollywood on Saturday, leading demonstrators to the nearest post office on N. Cherokee Avenue.
About 6 miles away in Atwater Village, more protesters rallied for the same reason: save the post office day of action -- action taken across the country.
This comes a day after Postmaster General Louis DeJoy testified before the Senate, and without producing a plan as to how, made reassurances the postal service would be fully capable of handling ballots expected to pour in before November's election.
On Monday, the postmaster will face questioning from the House.
In Hollywood, postal workers heard the support the demonstration's organizer summed up.
"They are amazing. They deliver, and we will deliver," said organizer Michelle Fowle.
House passes bill to reverse changes blamed for mail delays
