WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House of Representatives voted to pass a bill Saturday that would infuse the United States Postal Service with $25 billion in additional funding, as well as reverse recent policy and operational changes designed to cut costs.

What You Need To Know

  • The House voted to give the U.S. Postal Service $25 billion in funding and reverse recent changes that have slowed mail service across the country

  • The vote was mostly along party lines, but over two dozen Republicans joined Democrats in voting to pass the bill

  • The bill is unlikely to pass in the Republican-controlled Senate

  • The White House threatened to veto the bill if it does pass in the Senate

The bill passed mostly along party lines, but more than two dozen Republicans joined Democrats in the 257-170 vote, which was caused in part by growing concerns that the Post Office would be able to handle mail-in voting for this year's election.

The $25 billion bill to provide extra funding for the U.S. Postal Service kept House lawmakers locked in a debate for most of the day.

Earlier in the week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called members of Congress back to Washington, D.C., from recess for a rare Saturday vote. 

In additon to bolstering the Post Office's finances, the "Delivering for America Act" seeks to block changes to mail service which critics claim could endanger the November election. 

It specifically prohibits any implemented changes that could delay mail delivery and requires all official election mail be handled as "First Class."

House Democrats celebrated the passage of the bill.

"The actions by the Postmaster General in recent weeks is a sabotage campaign aimed at manipulating mail service, and whatever the intent, it's hurting everyday Americans," Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) said.

Several lawmakers expressed their frustration during the debate, with some pointing out that the House should be focused on passing legislation that President Trump would actually sign.

"Wouldn't it be nice if we were here today on a Saturday voting on a negotiated COVID relief package to help the American people that could actually be signed into law," Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ) said. "But sadly, instead, we are here instead talking about a postal bill."

The bill now heads to the Republican-controlled Senate, where it is unlikely to pass. The White House has also threatened to veto the bill.

This is a breaking news story. Check back later for further updates.