Sen. Dan Akaka issued a statement Wednesday (April 25) explaining his decision to vote against the 21st Century Postal Service Act of 2012.

The measure passed 62-37. Sen. Dan Inouye voted “aye” on the measure.

Press release quote from Akaka:

I am pleased that the sponsors of the bill came to a consensus on numerous complex and contentious issues, including strong protections for access to postal retail services in rural and remote areas, and provisions that would only allow a reduction to five-day mail delivery if it was truly needed to save the Postal Service. …

Unfortunately, I cannot support a bill that cuts benefits for federal employees who have been injured in service to their country. It is simply cruel to change the rules after-the-fact for disabled employees who were relying on the promise of these benefits. …

Akaka’s proposed amendment on workers’ compensation was defeated Tuesday (April 24) by a vote of 46-53, while his proposed amendment on supervisor consultation received 57 votes in support but fell short of the required 60 vote threshold.