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Thousands Protest Across Southland To Demand Resignation Of Postmaster General

HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA) — Nationwide protests were held Saturday amid the controversy surrounding the U.S. Postal Service.

In the Southland, demonstrators gathered in Hollywood to demand the resignation of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.

Reduced services that many feel have impacted the post office's ability to gather and deliver mail timely are at issue.

Some fear it could impact the upcoming presidential election as many are looking to vote by mail over the threat of COVID-19.

On Saturday, members of the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass legislation, joined by 26 Republicans, to allocate $25 billion to the postal service and ban operational changes that have slowed mail service around the country.

The legislation is not expected to be taken up in the Republican-controlled Senate and President Donald Trump promised to veto the bill if it reaches his desk.

In recent months, the USPS has cut overtime for employees, reduced business hours, and removed high-volume sorting machines from facilities.

Democrats argue the policies were intended to hurt mail-in voting ahead of the November election.

DeJoy denies that claim, stating the changes were simply intended to increase efficiency and save money.

The unexpected changes have alarmed customers as well as postal workers, however.

"Our mail has been delayed here for two to three days," said Dr. Wayne Johnson, a Santa Monica resident. "A lot of our bills have not got here on time. Some checks that I'm owed have not been here on time."

Other rallies were expected to be held throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties, including in Northridge, North Hollywood, Laguna Beach, Long Beach, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Garden Grove, and Irvine.

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