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USPS isn't directly supported by taxpayer money, but they are asking Congress for help to keep it from going broke. The service is asking for more leeway in shutting down post offices and increased variability in changing delivery schedules.  Both actions require Congressional approval. USPS is also in negotiations with two labor unions to change health care and retirement benefits for postal workers.

“The recent recession, continuing economic pressures and migration of mail to electronic media had a significant adverse impact on mail volumes and operating revenues," a USPS statement released Friday said. "Despite rigorous initiatives that eliminated 75 million work hours and drove productivity to record highs in 2010, the losses mounted.”