Elected officials and the union representing postal workers held a "National Day of Action" in lower Manhattan Tuesday, calling for federal funding for critical mail services they claim have been impacted in the wake of current cuts to the United States Postal Service.

Supporters of the Postal Service say it's under attack because of recent changes they allege is affecting everyday mail service. They are calling for $25 million in federal funding.

Union representative Yvette Johnson demanded the government "take (its) feet off the neck, allow us to process the mail as we have done."

Johnson represents thousands of local mail handlers.

She and Rep. Carolyn Maloney are advocating for the passage of Maloney's Delivering for America Act that is expected to be voted on in a special session this weekend. The bill would prevent further changes in operations and restore cuts in services that were made during the pandemic.

"One of the reasons for this urgency is our president, this past Thursday on national television, he said he was opposed to funding the post office because he was opposed to mail-in votes," said Rep. Maloney.

Both supporters claim workers are dealing with changes and cutbacks within the postal service that's affecting overall operations. Johnson shared a photo of mail sorting machines from a station that she claims were taken out of service without any explanation.

"As to mail delays, there is mail sitting at the plant within the Triborough area, and the carriers and clerks are being told hold the mail until the next truck," Johnson said.

"Is there a deliberate slow down? Yes. Parcels have a date or an anticipated date and those dates are not being met," said Joanne Sanchez. She's been a letter carrier for 12 years.

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said Tuesday he plans to hold off on some of the changes.

"The Postal Service is ready today to handle whatever volume of election mail it receives this fall," he said in a statement. "Even with the challenges of keeping our employees and customers safe and healthy as they operate amid a pandemic."