Last week, for example, Postmaster General Pat Donahoe announced plans to stop mail delivery on Saturdays, a move he says could save $3 billion annually.
Facing an $8.3 billion budget deficit this year, closing post offices is one of several proposals the Postal Service has put forth recently to cut costs.
The departments of cabinet rank were designated as state, treasury, and war; the offices of postmaster general and attorney general were created but not at cabinet rank, perhaps to hold down costs.