Ag News
Congress passes legislation to prevent rail strike
Posted on Dec 07, 2022 at 19:00 PM
With a looming strike deadline of Dec. 9, Congress quickly advanced a prohibit railroad workers from walking off the job and shutting down rail service nationwide. House Joint Resolution 100 was introduced on Nov. 29, passed the U.S. House Representatives on Nov. 30 by a 290-137 vote and passed the Senate by an 80-15 vote on Dec. 1. President Joe Biden signed it into law on Dec. 2.
The bill includes language noting maintaining essential transportation services is in the national interest, citing the Commerce Clause in the Constitution, which gives Congress authority and responsibility to ensure those services’ uninterrupted operation.
The American Farm Bureau Federation praised Congress and Biden for averting the rail strike.
“High diesel prices, a truck driver shortage, and low water levels on the Mississippi River have already made shipping conditions difficult. A rail strike would have had a devastating effect on the American economy, especially as families grapple with higher prices caused by inflation,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said in a published statement.
“Farmers rely on trains to transport food and feed, and they also depend on the rails to bring important supplies like fertilizer back to the farm, which is why AFBF urged Congress and the president to find a solution to the rail worker impasse. Their bipartisan efforts will help ensure farmers can continue delivering food from their farms to families across the country.”
- Categories:
- Tags: