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U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) is asking Senate leaders to postpose closing post offices and area mail processing facilities for six months.

In a news release, Tester said the delay would allow Congress more time to "enact reforms necessary" for the Postal Service to succeed.

In the release, Tester stated, "We are concerned that the Postal Service may preempt Congress on this matter by closing or consolidating nearly 3,700 mostly rural post offices, over 250 mail processing facilities, and eliminating overnight delivery for first class mail before postal reform legislation is enacted."

In August, the Postal Service announced plans to close 85 Montana post offices, and more recently recommended consolidating mail processing facilities in Kalispell, Missoula, Helena, Butte and Wolf Point.

The Postal Service is struggling financially due to a 2006 mandate which set a formula for the pre-funding of employee health benefits, according to Tester's office.