Iowa retailers, agricultural groups and cities expressed relief Wednesday as the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would block a nationwide rail freight stoppage. The U.S. Senate is expected to vote next week. But union representing about 700 Iowa railroad workers says they need more sick days.
All 4 House members said yes to the main deal, but Republicans opposed an additional requirement for paid sick leave for railroad workers.
A House measure passed Wednesday by a vote of 290-137 and now heads to the Senate. If approved there, it will be signed by President Joe Biden, who urged the Senate to act swiftly.
American consumers and nearly every industry will be affected if freight trains grind to a halt next month.
Mexico-to-Canada line would triple train traffic through Mississippi River cities
A strike would have affected not only commuters who rely on the railway to get to work but also the nation's energy supply and drinking water.
Train shipments of grain, fertilizer, lumber, produce and fuel will not come to a screeching halt on Friday, as a strike that could have idled freight and passenger trains across the state and country seems to have been averted -- for now.
Rail Explorers’ first Midwest location offers a 12.5-mile route through the Des Moines River Valley. The experience is made accessible to riders of all abilities and ages through pedal assist technology.
The projects announced today will increase supply chain resilience and fluidity, support short-line railroads, invest in new technology and safety advancements, and benefit rail industry workforce development and training activities – helping to create jobs and increase economic growth, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said in announcing the grant to Iowa Northern Railway Company, which serves agricultural-related shippers in Eastern Iowa.
Volunteer labor and fundraising turn 1891 depot into an events center.
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