WASHINGTON —The Senate on Thursday acted to avert a rail strike that business leaders say would greatly damage the economy.
Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall joined 78 others to pass a bill to bind rail companies and workers to a proposed settlement that was reached between the rail companies and union leaders in September. That settlement had been rejected by some of the 12 unions involved, creating the possibility of a strike. The final Senate vote was 80-15. President Biden signed the bill Friday morning.
In a statement from his office, Moran said “This labor dispute is an issue that should have been resolved between railroad companies and employees, not by Congress."
"However, the uncertainty and supply problems created by a shutdown would be damaging to Kansans, especially now with high inflation and ongoing supply chain issues. The country needs certainty, and the possibility of a shutdown made it necessary for Congress to take action to keep railways operating.”
Just before the final vote, an amendment to include 7 days of paid sick leave for rail workers failed 52-43. It needed 60 votes to pass. Senator Moran, Marshall and Missouri Senator Roy Blunt voted against including paid sick leave. Republican Senators Josh Hawley, Lindsey Graham, Marcio Rubio, Ted Cruz, Senator Mike Braun and John Kennedy voted in favor. Moran and Marshall have not commented on their vote against the amendment. Members of Congress have unlimited paid sick days.