The U.S. Postal Service reported a $2.5 billion net loss for the fiscal third quarter of 2026, improving from a $3.1 billion loss a year earlier, as operating revenue rose 6.1% to $19.9 billion. The agency said the narrower loss was helped by a $416 million decline in workers' compensation costs and a $1.1 billion increase in operating revenue, though revenue was down from $20.2 billion in the prior quarter. Postmaster General David Steiner said USPS remains in a severe liquidity crisis driven by structural issues in its Congressionally established business model and regulatory framework. He told the Associated Press in March that the agency is expected to run out of cash by early 2027. With its federal borrowing authority capped at $15 billion, a limit first set in 1990, USPS has said it is relying heavily on revenue growth and temporary cash-preservation measures while seeking legislative relief. Steiner has proposed raising the price of a First-Class stamp from 90 cents to 95 cents, telling a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on March 17 that such an increase would largely solve USPS's controllable loss. The Postal Service also temporarily suspended employer contributions to federal pension programs in April and increased postage rates, including a 4-cent rise in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever Stamp that took effect in July. Steiner has also opposed bipartisan Senate efforts to add more than 70 ZIP codes, saying in a December 2025 letter to Sen. Rand Paul that the change would cost USPS $800 million. USPS said it is taking steps to conserve cash, but Steiner said longer-term financial sustainability will require legislative and other policy actions.