Biden calls on Congress to intervene to avert rail shutdown
by Alex Gangitano - 11/28/22 6:29 PM ET
President Biden on Monday called on Congress to pass legislation to avert a rail shutdown before Dec. 9, warning of major disruptions to the U.S. economy if lawmakers don’t act.
He said Congress should pass a bill “immediately to adopt the Tentative Agreement between railroad workers and operators — without any modifications or delay — to avert a potentially crippling national rail shutdown.”
Biden’s plea to Congress comes amid an ongoing labor standoff that could shut down crucial shipments of food and fuel.
In response to Biden’s call, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said in a statement, “This week, the House will take up a bill adopting the Tentative Agreement — with no poison pills or changes to the negotiated terms — and send it to the Senate.”
“It is my hope that this necessary, strike-averting legislation will earn a strongly bipartisan vote, giving America’s families confidence in our commitment to protecting their financial futures,” Pelosi said.
The tentative Biden-backed agreement in September was approved by labor and management negotiators, but not every rail union has signed on.
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https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/3753508-biden-calls-on-congress-to-intervene-to-avert-rail-shutdown/