Nebraska's U.S. senators ended up on opposite sides of overhaul legislation to allow the U.S. Postal Service to dodge bankruptcy and keep post offices open.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Under the measure, which passed 62-37 on Wednesday, the postal service would get an $11 billion infusion. The measure also would halt the closing of more than 100 mail processing centers, bar any shutdowns before the November elections and protect rural post offices for one year.
Sen. Ben Nelson, a Democrat, voted for the overhaul, saying he heard from many Nebraskans supporting the bill and raising concerns about planned post office closures.
Sen. Mike Johanns, a Republican, voted against the measure, saying it would increase costs to taxpayers and will restrict the U.S. Postal Service's ability to improve its long-term cost structure.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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