That's because Congress was trying to kill the PO, by making them fund pensions far in advance of what would be necessary to cover their obligations. "What if

That's because Congress was trying to kill the PO, by making them fund pensions far in advance of what would be necessary to cover their obligations. "What if your credit card company told you: 'You will charge a million dollars on your credit card during your life; please enclose the million dollars in your next bill payment'... Well, that’s what the U.S. Postal Service’s requirement to prefund its long-term pension and healthcare liabilities is like."[0] [0] https://www.uspsoig.gov/blog/be-careful-what-you-assume https://www.uspsoig.gov/blog/be-careful-what-you-assume