[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 182 (Wednesday, November 30, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S8075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


MEASURES READ THE FIRST TIME--S.J. RES. 30, S.J. RES. 31, S.J. RES. 32, 
                       S. 1930, S. 1931, S. 1932

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I understand there are six measures at the 
desk, and I ask for their first reading en bloc.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bills by title for 
the first time en bloc.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S.J. Res. 30) extending the cooling-off 
     period under section 10 of the Railway Labor Act with respect 
     to the dispute referred to in Executive Order No. 13586 of 
     October 6, 2011.
       A resolution (S.J. Res. 31) applying certain conditions to 
     the dispute referred to in Executive Order 13586 of October 
     6, 2011, between the enumerated freight rail carriers, common 
     carriers by rail in interstate commerce, and certain of their 
     employees represented by labor organizations that have not 
     agreed to extend the cooling-off period under section 10 of 
     the Railway Labor Act beyond 12:01 a.m. on December 6, 2011.
       A resolution (S.J. Res. 32) to provide for the resolution 
     of the outstanding issues in the current railway labor-
     management dispute.
       A bill (S. 1930) to prohibit earmarks.
       A bill (S. 1931) to provide civilian payroll tax relief, to 
     reduce the Federal budget deficit, and for other purposes.
       A bill (S. 1932) to require the Secretary of State to act 
     on a permit for the Keystone XL pipeline.

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask for the second reading and object to 
my own request en bloc.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection having been heard, the measures will 
be read for a second time on the next legislative day.


                              S.J. Res. 32

  Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I have introduced this resolution to prevent 
the labor dispute between our Nation's railroads and their labor unions 
from delivering a knockout punch to the U.S. economy just before the 
holiday season. The contract renegotiation that has been ongoing for 
some time has been through the National Mediation Board process and 
recommendations put forth by the Presidential Emergency Board selected 
by President Obama have been accepted by the majority of the unions. In 
fact, 10 of the 13 unions have reached agreement, and I congratulate 
both sides for coming to the table and working it out. Unfortunately, 
the threat of a nationwide rail strike still remains and that is 
something our economy simply cannot bear at this time.
  I have heard from numerous U.S. manufacturers about the negative 
consequences this strike will have on them. They are concerned not just 
for their companies but for the employees who may have to be laid off 
if they are unable to ship product and for the customers who will not 
be able to get supplies they need. A rail strike may start on December 
6, but the impact of this threat is already being felt. As someone who 
comes from a State that relies on commercial rail for much of its 
economy, I know how serious this is and that is why I have introduced 
this resolution.
  I urge the Senate, the House and the President to act quickly to 
avert this manmade national disaster.

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