Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Congressman Tim Kennedy is mad and has had enough.
Kennedy (D-Buffalo) is pushing for the federal "Protect Our Letter Carriers" act that would increase penalties for anyone arrested for assaulting a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier.
Kennedy said his efforts have been ratcheted up after recent reports of at least five local attacks on mail carriers. The alleged assailants were going after the carrier's arrow keys that open mailboxes and collection boxes.
"These mail carriers are just out there doing their job," Kennedy said. "They shouldn't have to worry about being attacked."
But, the attacks are happening - not only in the Buffalo-Niagara region but across the country.
That's why mail carrier unions and other supporters are pushing for switching from the arrow keys to electronic locks.
And, that's also why there is a bi-partisan and groundswell push for the "Protect Our Letter Carriers Act."
"These are despicable crimes," Kennedy said.