U.S. Postal Service officials told lawmakers Thursday that a temporary halt to certain retirement‑fund payments has pushed back a cash‑crisis forecast from months to “several years.” The Postal Regulatory Commission’s vice‑chair, Robert G. Taub, said the move fundamentally changes the agency’s earlier warning that it could run out of cash within a year. The relief buys critical operating flexibility.

Postmaster general David Steiner had warned of insolvency in under a year, but the suspension is estimated to free up about $2.5 billion this fiscal year. The agency has already raised first‑class stamp prices and slowed delivery standards to offset declining mail volume and rising structural costs. The Letter Carriers Union backed the pause, noting the retirement fund remains well‑funded relative to other agencies.

Regulators balked at the Post Office’s push to hike stamps to $1, arguing that price spikes could further erode volume. Instead, the commission approved a modest 5 percent increase, lifting the first‑class rate to 82 cents on July 12. While the cash reprieve buys time, officials acknowledge it is not a lasting fix and congressional action remains essential. Without it, service cuts could resume.