[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 184 (Wednesday, November 30, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H8671]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1330
                       A RAIL STRIKE WAS AVERTED

  (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the two pieces of 
legislation that we just passed, H.J. Res. 100 and H. Con. Res. 119. 
These two resolutions will now protect the country's rail workers and 
avoid a crippling freight shutdown.
  Most important, they provide 7 days of sick leave for more than 
100,000 railroad workers. These workers stayed on the job during COVID-
19 to keep food and other essentials on store shelves nationwide. They 
risked their lives to do so, and their efforts saved lives across the 
country.
  I am very disappointed that the railroads did not reward them for 
their efforts. But I am proud to say that Congress acted today to do 
what needed to be done.
  No one should have to go to work when they are sick. I know that the 
owners of the railroad don't.
  Thanks to these resolutions, our freight rail workers can take the 
time needed to protect their health and the health of their colleagues.

                          ____________________