A large shipment of an explosive <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/chemicals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chemical</a> transported by <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/railroads" target="_blank" rel="noopener">train</a> in the western <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/united-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United States</a> has gone missing.
Roughly 30 tons of ammonium nitrate disappeared in mid-April while being moved from <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/wyoming" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wyoming</a> to <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/california" target="_blank" rel="noopener">California</a>, prompting explosives manufacturer Dyno Nobel to inform federal authorities. More than a month after material vanished during the nearly two-week trip, officials have yet to find cargo, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/21/us/chemical-missing-shipment-california-wyoming.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The New York Times reported</a> on Sunday.
Ammonium nitrate is a chemical often used in agricultural fertilizer but can also be implemented in explosives, as it was in the deadly 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, <a href="https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/programs/ammonium-nitrate-security-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to the federal government</a>.
A Dyno Nobel spokesperson said the railcar was sealed when it left a facility in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and the seals were &#8220;still intact&#8221; when it arrived in Saltdale, California. The &#8220;initial assessment is that a leak through the bottom gate on the railcar may have developed in transit,&#8221; a company spokesperson added.
The company also says it had &#8220;limited control&#8221; of the train during transport and that the railcar in question was sent back to Wyoming for inspection.
California-based news station <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11949697/california-officials-trying-to-track-down-missing-30-ton-shipment-of-explosive-chemicals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KQED</a> first reported last week that inquiries into the vanishing chemical shipment are being conducted by federal, state, and company officials. Union Pacific, the rail company that reported the chemical, told The New York Times that its inquiry is still in its &#8220;early stages&#8221; and does not suspect malicious or criminal activity.
News of the missing shipment has sparked a great deal of consternation on social media, with some people pointing out that only <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/what-ammonium-nitrate-chemical-deadly-beirut-explosion-n1236070" target="_blank" rel="noopener">two tons</a> of ammonium nitrate — a fraction of what the railcar had been carrying — was used in the Oklahoma City bombing that killed 168 people and injured hundreds more.
<a class="c-link c-link--focus-visible" href="https://onelink.to/dwapp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-stringify-link="https://onelink.to/dwapp" data-sk="tooltip_parent" aria-describedby="sk-tooltip-120698">CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILY WIRE APP</a>
Union Pacific spokesperson Kristen South suggested that people should not be concerned about health and environmental risks if the material spilled out of the train over a great distance.
“The fertilizer is designed for ground application and quick soil absorption,” South said. “If the loss resulted from a rail car leak over the course of transportation from origin to destination, the release should pose no risk to public health or the environment.”

Freight train

Shipment Of Explosive Chemical Mysteriously Disappears

California

Chemicals

Environment

Railroads

U.S.

Wyoming

Officials with the United States Surface Transportation Board approved the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/antitrust" target="_blank" rel="noopener">merger</a> of Kansas City Southern Railway Company and Canadian Pacific Railway Limited on Wednesday, marking the first combination of major <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/railroads" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rail</a> companies in two decades.
The new entity, which will be called Canadian Pacific Kansas City, will be the first railroad spanning Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern are the smallest Class I railroads in North America; the new firm will retain the distinction.
“The transaction will reduce travel time for traffic moving over the single-line service; it should result in increased incentives for investment; and it will eliminate the need for the two now-separate CP and KCS systems to interchange traffic moving from one system to the other,” the Surface Transportation Board said in a <a href="https://www.stb.gov/news-communications/latest-news/pr-23-07/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a>. “This will enhance efficiency, which in turn will enable the new CPKC system to better compete for traffic with the other larger Class I carriers.”
The agency said that “numerous conditions,” such as written justifications for any shipping price increases that exceed inflation, can be imposed upon CPKC. Surface Transportation Board officials also established a seven-year oversight period to monitor developments such as the completion of operating improvements and investments to handle new traffic.
The merger comes as the American railroad industry faces increased regulatory scrutiny following the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Local and state authorities were forced to temporarily evacuate all citizens within one mile of the derailment site last month and <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/evacuation-ordered-ohio-governor-warns-major-explosion-could-send-shrapnel-a-mile-from-derailed-train" target="_blank" rel="noopener">started</a> a controlled burn of chemicals on the vehicle to decrease the risk of an explosion, inducing unknown <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/researcher-worries-government-is-wrongly-declaring-safety-near-ohio-train-crash" target="_blank" rel="noopener">environmental</a> effects on the small rust belt community.
Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) and Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) therefore introduced the Railway Safety Act of 2023, which would <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/senators-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-rail-safety-after-ohio-train-crash" target="_blank" rel="noopener">require</a> rail companies to report hazardous materials on trains to state authorities, raise inspection requirements, and increase the rigor of defect detection efforts. The bill would meanwhile increase several civil penalties for violations of rail safety regulations by tenfold and require that each train must operate with at least two-person crews.
“Through this legislation, Congress has a real opportunity to ensure that what happened in East Palestine will never happen again. We owe every American the peace of mind that their community is protected from a catastrophe of this kind,” Vance said in a <a href="https://www.vance.senate.gov/press-releases/senators-vance-brown-to-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-prevent-train-derailment-disasters/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">press release</a>. “Action to prevent future disasters is critical, but we must never lose sight of the needs of the Ohioans living in East Palestine and surrounding communities. One day, the TV cameras will leave, and the news cycle will move on, but the needs of those Ohioans will remain.”
The state of Ohio <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/entirely-avoidable-ohio-sues-norfolk-southern-for-train-disaster" target="_blank" rel="noopener">filed suit</a> this week against Norfolk Southern and asked that the company be held financially liable for the derailment, characterizing the incident as “entirely avoidable” and the result of executives neglecting the “welfare of the communities in which Norfolk Southern operates.” The EPA has meanwhile <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/epa-requires-norfolk-southern-to-test-near-ohio-train-disaster-for-chemicals-which-impact-fertility-last-for-decades" target="_blank" rel="noopener">directed</a> Norfolk Southern to sample for dioxins, a class of pollutants that can be formed by vinyl chloride combustion and can bind to soil for decades.

Canadian Pacific Wins US Approval For $27 Billion Rail Deal

Regulators Approve Largest Rail Merger In Two Decades

Regulators Approve Merger Of Two Large Railroads

Antitrust

Business

Economy

Train

Republican and Democratic lawmakers unveiled a bill on Wednesday that would increase safety restrictions on <a href="http://dailywire.com/topic/ohio-train-disaster" target="_blank" rel="noopener">trains</a> carrying hazardous materials.
The legislation comes weeks after a Norfolk Southern train derailed near East Palestine, Ohio. Authorities evacuated all residents within one mile of the February 3 incident and <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/evacuation-ordered-ohio-governor-warns-major-explosion-could-send-shrapnel-a-mile-from-derailed-train" target="_blank" rel="noopener">started</a> a controlled burn of chemicals on the vehicle to lower the risk of an explosion, producing massive plumes of black smoke visible throughout eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania.
Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) and Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced the Railway Safety Act of 2023, which would require rail companies to report hazardous materials present trains to state authorities, raise inspection requirements, and increase the rigor of defect detection efforts. Other sponsors include Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), and Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA).
“Through this legislation, Congress has a real opportunity to ensure that what happened in East Palestine will never happen again. We owe every American the peace of mind that their community is protected from a catastrophe of this kind,” Vance said in a <a href="https://www.vance.senate.gov/press-releases/senators-vance-brown-to-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-prevent-train-derailment-disasters/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">press release</a>. “Action to prevent future disasters is critical, but we must never lose sight of the needs of the Ohioans living in East Palestine and surrounding communities. One day, the TV cameras will leave, and the news cycle will move on, but the needs of those Ohioans will remain.”
The <a href="https://www.vance.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Railway-Safety-Act.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">legislation</a> would also increase several civil penalties for violations of rail safety regulations tenfold and require that each train must operate with at least two-person crews. With respect to safety in transporting hazardous materials, each carrier must produce a gas discharge plan and submit to periodic inspections with minimum time requirements. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg would be directed by the legislation to enumerate more specific rules. The Biden administration has <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/01/politics/congress-response-railway-safety-norfolk-southern/index.html">called on</a> Congress to enact similar reforms.
“The Norfolk Southern train derailment left Pennsylvania and Ohio families, businesses, and first responders grappling with a disaster that spilled hazardous materials in their community. It shouldn’t have happened here and it shouldn’t happen anywhere else in America,” Casey added. “The Railway Safety Act will make freight rail safer, hold rail companies accountable for putting communities and workers in harm’s way, and protect people over profits.”
The train derailment launched debate in Washington over increased scrutiny for rail companies. Buttigieg <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/buttigieg-touts-funding-to-improve-rail-safety-in-wake-of-ohio-train-crash-doesnt-mention-what-hes-doing-right-now-to-help" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> the White House has been “constrained” on rail safety due to a “braking rule withdrawn by the Trump administration in 2018 because of a law passed by Congress in 2015.” National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy later <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/biden-admin-blames-trump-for-ohio-train-derailment-even-the-ntsb-chair-calls-that-misinformation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">clarified</a> that the rule would not have applied to the train which derailed in East Palestine because of its classification as a “mixed freight train” rather than a “high hazard flammable train.”
<a class="c-link c-link--focus-visible" href="https://onelink.to/dwapp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-stringify-link="https://onelink.to/dwapp" data-sk="tooltip_parent" aria-describedby="sk-tooltip-146166">CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILY WIRE APP</a>
Federal investigators have preliminarily <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/new-details-in-east-palestine-train-derailment-revealed-in-fresh-ntsb-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">concluded</a> that the derailment was caused by a malfunctioning rail axle. “Surveillance video from a residence showed what appears to be a wheel bearing in the final stage of overheat failure moments before the derailment,” the NTSB said in a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/investigators-provide-more-details-on-what-caused-ohio-train-disaster" target="_blank" rel="noopener">press release</a>. “The wheelset from the suspected railcar has been collected as evidence for metallurgical examination.”

Screen Shot 2023-02-17 at 11.58.47 AM

Senators Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Improve Rail Safety After Ohio Train Crash

Senators Introduce Bill To Improve Rail Safety After Ohio Train Derailment

Congress

JD Vance

John Fetterman

Josh Hawley

Marco Rubio

Ohio Train Disaster

Politics

Sherrod Brown

The <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/biden-administration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Biden administration</a> took credit for a major freight carrier offering paid sick leave to workers, just a few months after trying to get by without it.
Rail company CSX announced a deal on Tuesday that would provide four days of paid sick leave and three personal days for some 5,000 employees. The Biden administration took credit for pushing the negotiations on Thursday. But the administration previously pushed railroad unions to accept a deal that did not include paid sick leave, and signed a law imposing that deal on workers in December.
CSX struck the deal with two unions: the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way (BMWED), which represents train engineers, and the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen (BRC), which represents mechanics and mechanical workers. “CSX is committed to listening to our railroaders and working with their representatives to find solutions that improve their quality of life and experience as employees,&#8221; the company said in a <a href="https://www.csx.com/index.cfm/about-us/media/press-releases/csx-reaches-agreement-with-bmwed-and-brc-on-paid-sick-leave-for-railroad-workers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a>. &#8220;These agreements demonstrate that commitment and are a direct result of the collaborative relationship we are working to cultivate with all of the unions that represent CSX employees. We greatly appreciate the leadership of the BMWED and BRC in working towards these agreements.”
The White House was reportedly in contact with CSX before it made the announcement, <a href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/09/white-house-biden-administration-railroad-companies-paid-sick-leave" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Axios</a> reported, citing an administration official. Biden administration officials, including Secretary of Labor Martin Walsh, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, and National Economic Council director Brian Deese, have all pressed the issue in phone calls with executives from CSX, Union Pacific, BNSF, and Norfolk Southern.
The White House took credit for helping negotiations on Thursday, saying that its involvement helped close the deal.
&#8220;[T]he president signed a bill in December that averted a rail disruption and ensured union members would receive the 24 percent pay raise in their tentative agreements,&#8221; White House Press Secretary <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2023/02/09/press-gaggle-by-press-secretary-karine-jean-pierre-en-route-tampa-florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Karine Jean-Pierre</a> told reporters aboard Air Force One. &#8220;When signing this bill, the president committed to continuing the fight to secure paid sick leave for all workers, including rail workers.&#8221;
&#8220;These agreements came following continued advocacy and involvement from the Biden administration, pushing railroad leadership to reach an agreement that secured paid sick leave for workers, which continues to be a priority for President Biden,&#8221; Jean-Pierre added. &#8220;[T]he agreements between CSX, BMWE, and BRC to provide paid sick days are good steps, ensuring no covered worker has to risk their income to take a day off when they are sick. Securing paid sick leave for rail workers will continue to be a priority for the president. And we are strongly urging other rail companies to follow suit.&#8221;
But the Biden administration did not include paid sick leave in the original agreement, which was negotiated by Walsh and other White House officials, and tentatively agreed to in September. <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/second-railroad-union-rejects-biden-admins-labor-deal-increasing-the-threat-of-a-nationwide-strike" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Several</a> of the nation&#8217;s largest railroad <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/derailed-major-railroad-union-rejects-biden-admins-negotiated-labor-deal-putting-nationwide-strike-back-on-the-table" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unions</a> rejected the agreement, citing the lack of paid time off. That put negotiations in the hands of Congress, and President Joe Biden pressured lawmakers to <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/white-house-calls-for-congressional-intervention-to-avoid-potentially-crippling-rail-strike" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pass the deal</a> without amendment. “I am calling on Congress to pass legislation immediately to adopt the Tentative Agreement between railroad workers and operators — without any modifications or delay — to avert a potentially crippling national rail shutdown,” Biden said in a statement in November.
Biden got his wish. Congress passed a bill to <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/hawley-tears-into-biden-admin-democrats-establishment-gop-after-senate-imposes-labor-deal-on-railroad-workers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">impose the agreement</a> on workers on December 1. But an amendment in the Senate that would have provided seven days of paid sick leave, an amendment which had bipartisan support, was blocked. Biden signed the deal into law on December 2.

CSX railroad

Biden Admin Takes Credit After Major Rail Company Gives Workers Paid Sick Leave, Just Months After Working Against It

Biden Admin Pats Itself On The Back After Major Rail Company Gives Workers Paid Sick Leave, Just Months After Working Against It

Biden Administration

Executive

Karine Jean-Pierre

Labor Unions

White House

Senator <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/josh-hawley" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Josh Hawley</a> (R-MO) let all sides have it Thursday after the Senate voted to impose a new union contract on railroad workers.
In several tweets and a statement posted to Twitter, Hawley unleashed on the Biden administration, Democrats in the Senate, and establishment Republicans for voting to impose the new union contract on railroad employees. The Senate passed the bill 80-15 to put the contract into effect, avoiding a potentially catastrophic <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/house-passes-legislation-to-avoid-a-nationwide-rail-strike-bernie-sanders-intends-to-block-it" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rail strike</a>. But the Senate blocked a provision that would have given workers seven days of paid sick leave.
“Today the Senate had the chance to stand up for railroad workers who frequently risk their lives and health on the job, just trying to support their families,&#8221; Hawley said in a statement Thursday evening. &#8220;Instead, the Senate sided with Joe Biden. Workers were asking for a handful of sick days per year. Biden and the Senate said no. I’d like to know how many of the White House staff, and how many members of Congress and their staff, are still &#8216;working remotely,&#8217; all while they deny railroad workers more than one day of sick leave a year. The House of Representatives, for heaven’s sake, is still proxy voting—with many members not showing up to work at all—because of the Covid &#8216;health risk.&#8217; But railroad workers can’t have more than one day of sick leave. And it wasn’t as if workers were asking Congress to intervene on their behalf. No, this was the White House and management and union bosses teaming up to use federal law to force workers to accept contracts they rejected in negotiations. And then people in DC wonder why working Americans think the system is rigged.”
“Today was also a chance for Republicans to stand up for working people and against the DC establishment,&#8221; he added. &#8220;They missed it. But make no mistake, the people who put on overalls or pick up a shovel or stand on the assembly line every day are worth fighting for. And the Republican Party will have no future without them.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Today’s rail vote was a significant one. A few thoughts &#8211; <a href="https://t.co/IYfPBxL14E" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pic.twitter.com/IYfPBxL14E</a>
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1598430838693183489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
Hawley also lamented the impact on railroad workers before and during the vote. &#8220;GOP wants to be a working class party, or should want to,&#8221; Hawley tweeted <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1598392316305477633?s=20&amp;t=evTH_fXYZrRGiEL1hoRYbA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">before the vote</a>. &#8220;We’re about to have our first test vote &#8211; with the workers or with Biden.&#8221;
&#8220;Joe Biden and the suits on one side, railroad workers on the other side,&#8221; he <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1598393068977532928?s=20&amp;t=evTH_fXYZrRGiEL1hoRYbA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">added</a>. &#8220;Easy call.&#8221;
&#8220;Sad day for workers,&#8221; he tweeted <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1598415845755359232?s=20&amp;t=evTH_fXYZrRGiEL1hoRYbA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">after the bill passed</a>. &#8220;At the behest of Joe Biden, US Senate now using federal law to force railroad workers to accept contracts they voted to reject,&#8221; he <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1598416211435745284?s=20&amp;t=evTH_fXYZrRGiEL1hoRYbA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a> again.
The vote <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/3758563-senate-votes-to-avert-costly-rail-strike/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passed</a> in the Senate 80-15. Ten Republicans voted against the bill, along with five Democrats. The Republicans were:
<ul>
<li>Tom Cotton of Arkansas</li>
<li>Ted Cruz of Texas</li>
<li>Hawley</li>
<li>Marco Rubio and Rick Scott of Florida</li>
<li>Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania</li>
<li>Susan Collins of Maine</li>
<li>Tim Scott of South Carolina</li>
<li>Bill Hagerty of Tennesee</li>
<li>Dan Sullivan of Alaska</li>
</ul>
The five Democrats were:
<ul>
<li>Kirsten Gillibrand of New York</li>
<li>Jeff Merkley of Oregon</li>
<li>Bernie Sanders of Vermont</li>
<li>John Hickenlooper of Colorado</li>
<li>Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts</li>
</ul>
But the <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/3758436-senate-rejects-proposal-to-give-rail-workers-seven-days-of-paid-sick-leave/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">amendment</a> to give railroad workers seven days of paid sick leave, sponsored by <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/house-passes-legislation-to-avoid-a-nationwide-rail-strike-bernie-sanders-intends-to-block-it" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bernie Sanders</a>, failed 52-43. Six Republicans supported the amendment, including Hawley, Cruz, Rubio, Mike Braun of Indiana, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, and John Kennedy of Louisiana.

Hawley Tears Into Biden Admin, Democrats, Establishment GOP After Senate Imposes Labor Deal On Railroad Workers

Hawley Tears Into Biden Admin, Democrats, Establishment GOP After Senate Passes Bill To Impose Labor Deal On Railroad Workers, Avoids Rail Strike

Republicans

U.S. Senate

This article is a companion piece to today’s Morning Wire Afternoon Update. To listen to the podcast version, click <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/podcasts/morning-wire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
Biden Meets With Macron
President Joe Biden is hosting French President Emmanuel Macron at a White House dinner tonight. The French leader is using his visit to Washington in part to criticize aspects of his ally’s signature climate law as a bad deal for Europe. The presidents are holding talks in the Oval Office that officials say will largely center on efforts to stay united in their response to Russia’s war in Ukraine and to coordinate their approach to an increasingly assertive China.
&#8220;France is our oldest ally, our unwavering partner in freedom’s cause, through the spirit of Marquis Lafayette, who helped secure the success of our revolution, to the sacrifices of American GIs who stormed the beaches of Normandy, our history has been shaped by the courage of the women and men who crossed the Atlantic carrying in their hearts the flame of liberty,&#8221; the president said in his welcoming remarks.
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In address w/ Pres. Macron, Biden praises &quot;Marcus Lafayette&quot; <a href="https://t.co/h0QZf2TLPg">pic.twitter.com/h0QZf2TLPg</a>
&mdash; Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) <a href="https://twitter.com/tomselliott/status/1598326438305865738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Democrat Criticizes Biden&#8217;s Lobster Dinner
At least one Democratic lawmaker is <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/get-rid-of-extravagant-state-dinners-at-the-white-house-were-sick-of-paying-for-them" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pushing back on the President’s White House dinner</a>, in which 200 live lobsters were ordered from Maine.
Congressman Jared Golden (D-ME) tweeted, &#8220;If the Biden White House can prioritize purchasing 200 Maine lobsters for a fancy dinner, [Biden] should also take the time to meet with the Maine lobstermen his administration is currently regulating out of business.&#8221;
Oath Keepers Founder Convicted  Over January 6
This week a Washington, D.C., jury <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/oath-keepers-founder-convicted-of-seditious-conspiracy-over-capitol-riot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">convicted Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes</a> of seditious conspiracy for his role in the January 6 riot.
Rhodes was convicted alongside Kelly Meggs, who headed the Oath Keepers Florida chapter, on sedition charges after three days of deliberation. Three other Oath Keepers were convicted of related felony charges over January 6, according to the Department of Justice.
Senate Reaches Rail Strike Deal
The Senate has <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/01/politics/senate-rail-vote" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reached</a> a deal averting a rail strike that would be detrimental to the U.S. economy. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced Thursday that the Senate will vote to make the legislation official.
Schumer made the announcement after negotiations between both the Republicans and Democrats.
Feds Pay Journalism Group $5M To Create Software To Turn People Into Anti-‘Misinformation’ Bots
A new investigative report from The Daily Wire <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/feds-pay-journalism-group-5m-to-create-software-to-turn-people-into-anti-misinformation-bots" target="_blank" rel="noopener">revealed</a> that the federal government has awarded $5 million to a group of journalists called Hacks/Hackers to develop software that will encourage regular Americans to confront their friends over “harmful” posts, and “correct misinformation” by replying with text suggested by the software.
The group is also organizing Wikipedia censors to determine who is a “credible source” on vaccines, and to block anyone else from being cited on the online encyclopedia. Job ads for the project do not require that applicants have any expertise in medicine.
Ex-Royals Release Netflix Trailer
Former British Royals Harry and Megan <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/netflix-drops-trailer-for-harry-meghan-documentary-series" target="_blank" rel="noopener">released</a> the trailer to their new Netflix docuseries about their relationship on Wednesday.
The couple reportedly earned over 100 million dollars for their participation in the series. The release of the trailer coincides with the first day of Princess Kate and Prince William’s landmark US tour.
Boston Sticks It To The Brits One More Time
Meanwhile, Prince William and Princess Kate made an appearance at the Boston Celtics basketball game Wednesday night, but interim head coach Joe Mazzulla was <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/american-hero-boston-celtics-coach-doesnt-care-one-bit-british-royals-sat-courtside-at-game-against-the-heat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">less than impressed</a> with the royal visit.
“A non-basketball question: did you get a chance to meet with the Royal family and if not, how was it like having them there in the building?” a reporter asked following the team’s victory.
“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph?” Mazzulla deadpanned back.
“The Prince and Princess of Wales,” she responded with a laugh.
“Oh, no I did not, I’m only familiar with one Royal family,” he answered. “I don’t know too much about that one. Thank you, but hopefully, they’re Celtic fans.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Answered with a straight face 😂 <a href="https://t.co/Mgfj4a9adC">pic.twitter.com/Mgfj4a9adC</a>
&mdash; bulbul🍜 📖 🏡 👩‍🌾 (@sue_then) <a href="https://twitter.com/sue_then/status/1598251698518380544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Thursday stock photo

Thursday Afternoon Update: Government-Paid Anti-‘Misinformation’ Bots, Biden Welcomes Macron, Boston Still Doesn’t Like The Brits

Thursday Afternoon Update: Government-Paid Misinformation Bots, Biden Welcome Macron, Boston Still Doesn't Like The Brits

Boston Celtics

France

January 6

Joe Biden

Journalism

Maine

Morning Wire

Podcast

Senate

After the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/u-s-house-of-representatives" target="_blank" rel="noopener">House of Representatives</a> advanced a bill on Wednesday meant to avert a looming nationwide <a href="http://dailywire.com/topic/railroads" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rail</a> strike, Sen. <a href="http://dailywire.com/topic/bernie-sanders" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bernie Sanders</a> (I-VT) vowed to block the measure in the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/u-s-senate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Senate</a>.
Unions and rail companies previously agreed to a tentative deal providing workers a 24% pay raise and more robust healthcare benefits, although a handful of labor organizations rejected the agreement due to a lack of paid sick days. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said in a <a href="https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/112922-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">letter</a> to lawmakers on Tuesday evening that the lower chamber would “take action to protect the economic security of America’s working families and avert a devastating nationwide rail strike,” echoing a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/white-house-calls-for-congressional-intervention-to-avoid-potentially-crippling-rail-strike" target="_blank" rel="noopener">call</a> from President Joe Biden.
Legislation enforcing the tentative agreement passed on Wednesday by a margin of 290 to 137, with eight Democrats and 129 Republicans voting against the bill. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) affirmed that the upper chamber would move as quickly as possible to advance the bill to the White House.
Sanders, however, <a href="https://twitter.com/SenSanders/status/1597709690699489280?s=20&amp;t=iD67NiKf3PIGloPjEW0Ypg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">remarked</a> on social media that workers should receive at least seven paid sick days as rail companies earn “record profits.” He intends to “block consideration of the rail legislation” until a roll call vote guarantees workers the benefit.
Biden meanwhile thanked members of both parties in the House for advancing the legislation and stressed the urgency of deliberations in the Senate.
“Without the certainty of a final vote to avoid a shutdown this week, railroads will begin to halt the movement of critical materials like chemicals to clean our drinking water as soon as this weekend,” he said in a <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/11/30/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-house-action-to-avert-rail-shutdown/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a>. “Without action this week, disruptions to our auto supply chains, our ability to move food to tables, and our ability to remove hazardous waste from gasoline refineries will begin.”
The daily economic cost of a nationwide rail shutdown could amount to $2 billion, according to a <a href="https://www.aar.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/AAR-Rail-Shutdown-Report-September-2022.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">report</a> from the Association of American Railroads, while a <a href="https://rilastagemedia.blob.core.windows.net/rila-web/rila.web/media/media/pdfs/supply%20chain/rila-rail-labor-dispute.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">letter</a> from the Retail Industry Leaders Association addressed to Biden noted that freight rail accounts for 40% of long-distance shipping volume in the United States. Members of Congress can exercise authority over interstate commerce to intervene in rail labor negotiations under the Railway Labor Act of 1926.
Hundreds of business groups have encouraged Congress to compel acceptance of the tentative agreement. A <a href="https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/retailers-encouraged-house-approval-tentative-agreement-averting-rail" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a> from the National Retail Federation lauded the House for approving the legislation.
“America’s railroads serve nearly every sector of our economy and provide access to global markets. The freight rail system is a lifeline for many industries, ensuring the transport of not only retail goods, but also essential food and energy supplies,” the group said. “It is imperative that the Senate now acts immediately to approve the measure and send it to President Biden’s desk.”
Biden and Pelosi have expressed reluctance to disrupt union negotiations since the commander-in-chief <a href="https://joebiden.com/empowerworkers/#" target="_blank" rel="noopener">campaigned</a> for the Oval Office in favor of collective bargaining. One of the unions which rejected the tentative agreement <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/union-allies-turn-on-pro-labor-biden-for-trying-to-prevent-looming-rail-strike" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> that the organization “is deeply disappointed by and disagrees with” actions from the Biden administration to prevent the strike.

Sen. Bernie Sanders

House Passes Legislation To Avoid A Nationwide Rail Strike. Bernie Sanders Intends To Block It.

Bernie Sanders Intends To Block Legislation Passed By House To Avert Rail Strike

Bernie Sanders

railway strike

strike

U.S. House of Representatives

Unions

Labor <a href="http://dailywire.com/topic/labor-unions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unions</a> rebuked President <a href="http://dailywire.com/topic/biden-administration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Joe Biden</a> on Tuesday for requesting that <a href="http://dailywire.com/topic/congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Congress</a> prevent a looming <a href="http://dailywire.com/topic/railroads" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rail</a> strike.
The commander-in-chief said in a Monday evening <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/white-house-calls-for-congressional-intervention-to-avoid-potentially-crippling-rail-strike" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a> that the possible work freeze, which could begin as soon as December 9, would “devastate” the <a href="http://dailywire.com/topic/economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">economy</a> ahead of the holiday season. “As a proud pro-labor President, I am reluctant to override the ratification procedures and the views of those who voted against the agreement,” he remarked. “But in this case — where the economic impact of a shutdown would hurt millions of other working people and families — I believe Congress must use its powers to adopt this deal.”
The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division responded in a harsh <a href="https://www.bmwe.org/secondary.aspx?id=720" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a> noting that the organization “is deeply disappointed by and disagrees with” the sentiment expressed by Biden. “It is not enough to ‘share workers’ concerns.’ A call to Congress to act immediately to pass legislation that adopts tentative agreements that exclude paid sick leave ignores the Railroad Workers’ concerns,” the group said. “It both denies Railroad Workers their right to strike while also denying them of the benefit they would likely otherwise obtain if they were not denied their right to strike.”
Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen President Michael Baldwin likewise affirmed in an <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/29/business/rail-strike-threat-recedes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">interview</a> with CNN Business that intervention from Congress “prevents us from reaching the end of our process” and “takes away the strength and ability that we have to force bargaining.” The Railway Labor Act, passed in 1926 as the nation became increasingly reliant upon railways, allows Congress to exercise its authority over interstate commerce by preventing rail strikes.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) announced that the lower chamber would vote on enforcing the tentative agreement this week, expressing similar reluctance as Biden to usurp standard union negotiations. “We must recognize that railroads have been selling out to Wall Street to boost their bottom lines, making obscene profits while demanding more and more from railroad workers,” she asserted in a <a href="https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/112822" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a>, “but we must act to prevent a catastrophic nationwide rail strike, which would grind our economy to a halt.”
Biden ran for the Oval Office as an ally of labor unions, vowing in his 2020 campaign <a href="https://joebiden.com/empowerworkers/#" target="_blank" rel="noopener">platform</a> to ardently support 40-hour workweeks, paid leave, and health benefits. The tentative agreement greenlit by a majority of the nation’s rail unions guarantees a 24% pay raise and more robust health benefits, while denying paid sick leave.
The daily economic cost of a nationwide rail shutdown could amount to $2 billion, according to a <a href="https://www.aar.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/AAR-Rail-Shutdown-Report-September-2022.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">report</a> from the Association of American Railroads, while a <a href="https://rilastagemedia.blob.core.windows.net/rila-web/rila.web/media/media/pdfs/supply%20chain/rila-rail-labor-dispute.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">letter</a> from the Retail Industry Leaders Association addressed to Biden noted that freight rail accounts for 40% of long-distance shipping volume in the United States.
Even as labor unions decried efforts to shut down a potential strike, various business groups who had asked Congress to intervene expressed support for Biden’s statement. “The freight rail system is an integral part of America’s transportation system, moving cargo to communities in every corner of the country every day,” National Retail Federation CEO Matthew Shay said in a <a href="https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/nrf-reiterates-white-house-call-congressional-action-avoid-rail-strike" target="_blank" rel="noopener">press release</a>. “We are in peak holiday shopping season, and it is essential that retailers and other businesses are able to rely on these vital supply chain partners.”

Biden Post Election Presser

Union Allies Turn On ‘Pro-Labor’ Biden For Trying To Prevent Looming Rail Strike

Unions Mad At Biden For Asking Congress To Prevent Rail Strike

The opening of the holiday shopping season was the most robust on record, even in the face of <a href="http://dailywire.com/topic/inflation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">inflationary</a> pressures, <a href="http://dailywire.com/topic/supply-chain" target="_blank" rel="noopener">supply chain</a> bottlenecks, and other <a href="http://dailywire.com/topic/economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">economic</a> headwinds.
A record 196.7 million Americans shopped online and in person during the five days between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, according to data released by the National Retail Federation, shattering the trade association’s initial projection of 166.3 million shoppers during the first weekend of the holiday season.
“The Thanksgiving holiday shopping weekend is a tradition treasured by many American families,” National Retail Federation CEO Matthew Shay remarked in a <a href="https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/record-1967-million-consumers-shop-over-thanksgiving-holiday-weekend" target="_blank" rel="noopener">press release</a>. “As inflationary pressures persist, consumers have responded by stretching their dollars in any way possible. Retailers have responded accordingly, offering shoppers a season of buying convenience, matching sales and promotions across online and in-store channels to accommodate their customers at each interaction.”
The typical consumer spent $325.44 on holiday-related purchases throughout the weekend, most of which was spent on gifts, exceeding the $301.27 average recorded last year. Americans were most likely to shop online or visit a department store.
Shay said during a press call attended by The Daily Wire that many households have generally been “a bit more cautious” with their expenditures, although they continue to spend on necessities. Some families are “taking on additional debt” and “tapping into savings” to meet monthly expenses and cover additional spending during the holiday season. He noted that overall retail sales have increased every month since May 2020, implying that the sector has “incredible resilience” despite multiple economic constraints.
A similar <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/black-friday-breaks-revenue-record-as-consumers-endure-high-inflation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">report</a> from Adobe Analytics found that households are projected to spend $210 billion this season, exceeding the $205 billion spent in 2021 and the $188 billion spent in 2020. Companies earned $9.1 billion this year on Black Friday alone.
Shay also expressed concern at the beginning of the call over a pending rail strike that could cripple supply chain operations ahead of the holidays. “Any slowdown, stoppage, or delay in rail transit of goods and people in this country would be devastating for our economy and for American households,” Shay continued. “We certainly encourage Congress… to move quickly to remove this uncertainty so we can all move on without this hanging over our heads as we get into the last few weeks of the year.”
Hundreds of business associations recently <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/business-groups-demand-congress-step-in-to-avoid-certain-economic-destruction-from-rail-strike-ahead-of-holiday-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">asked</a> leaders of both major parties to intervene ahead of the holidays. President Joe Biden likewise <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/white-house-calls-for-congressional-intervention-to-avoid-potentially-crippling-rail-strike" target="_blank" rel="noopener">demanded</a> that Congress immediately move to “avert a potentially crippling national rail shutdown” in a Monday statement. “At this critical moment for our economy, in the holiday season, we cannot let our strongly held conviction for better outcomes for workers deny workers the benefits of the bargain they reached, and hurl this nation into a devastating rail freight shutdown,” he remarked.
SMART Transportation Division, a union representing rail conductors, announced last week that members <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/rail-strike-threat-returns-as-union-group-rejects-latest-offer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rejected</a> the tentative agreement, which would produce the largest wage hike for the industry in four decades. Freight rail accounts for 40% of long-distance shipping volume, according to a <a href="https://rilastagemedia.blob.core.windows.net/rila-web/rila.web/media/media/pdfs/supply%20chain/rila-rail-labor-dispute.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">report</a> from the Retail Industry Leaders Association, including products such as chemicals used to treat wastewater and ethanol used as a component in gasoline.

Black Friday in Costa Mesa, CA

Thanksgiving Weekend Holiday Shopping Shatters Expectations Despite Economic Headwinds

Holiday Shopping Spend Exceeds Forecasts During Thanksgiving Weekend

Black Friday

Inflation

Supply Chain

Thanksgiving

President <a href="http://dailywire.com/topic/biden-administration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Joe Biden</a> called upon members of <a href="http://dailywire.com/topic/congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Congress</a> to prevent a looming <a href="http://dailywire.com/topic/railroads" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rail</a> strike that would “devastate” the <a href="http://dailywire.com/topic/economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">economy</a> ahead of the holiday season.
A strike could take place on December 9 as rail companies and labor unions fail to reach an agreement on matters such as health benefits and wage increases. Biden noted in a <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/11/28/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-averting-a-rail-shutdown/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a> that the majority of the nation’s rail unions have approved a tentative agreement that guarantees a 24% pay raise and asked Congress to adopt the contract.
&#8220;I am calling on Congress to pass legislation immediately to adopt the Tentative Agreement between railroad workers and operators – without any modifications or delay – to avert a potentially crippling national rail shutdown,&#8221; the president remarked.
“This agreement was approved by labor and management negotiators in September,” Biden continued. “As a proud pro-labor President, I am reluctant to override the ratification procedures and the views of those who voted against the agreement. But in this case — where the economic impact of a shutdown would hurt millions of other working people and families — I believe Congress must use its powers to adopt this deal.”
The Railway Labor Act, passed in 1926 as the nation became increasingly reliant upon railways, permits Congress to exercise its authority over interstate commerce by preventing rail strikes.
Biden noted that Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who have been in consistent contact with labor unions and rail companies, currently see “no path to resolve the dispute at the bargaining table” and recommended that Congress intervene. The daily economic cost of a nationwide rail shutdown could amount to $2 billion, according to a <a href="https://www.aar.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/AAR-Rail-Shutdown-Report-September-2022.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">report</a> from the Association of American Railroads.
“Some in Congress want to modify the deal to either improve it for labor or for management. However well-intentioned, any changes would risk delay and a debilitating shutdown. The agreement was reached in good faith by both sides,” Biden continued. “At this critical moment for our economy, in the holiday season, we cannot let our strongly held conviction for better outcomes for workers deny workers the benefits of the bargain they reached, and hurl this nation into a devastating rail freight shutdown.”
SMART Transportation Division, a union representing rail conductors, announced last week that members <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/rail-strike-threat-returns-as-union-group-rejects-latest-offer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rejected</a> the tentative agreement, which would produce the largest wage hike for the industry in four decades. Freight rail accounts for 40% of long-distance shipping volume, according to a <a href="https://rilastagemedia.blob.core.windows.net/rila-web/rila.web/media/media/pdfs/supply%20chain/rila-rail-labor-dispute.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">report</a> from the Retail Industry Leaders Association, including products such as chemicals used to treat wastewater and ethanol used as a component in gasoline.
More than 400 business groups led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce likewise <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/business-groups-demand-congress-step-in-to-avoid-certain-economic-destruction-from-rail-strike-ahead-of-holiday-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">asked</a> leaders of both parties to intervene ahead of the holidays, which is a crucial period for many industries.
“No one wins when the railroads stop running. Congress recognized their necessity to interstate commerce and America’s economic health with the passage of the Railway Labor Act and past congressional interventions in rail labor disputes when other steps fail,” the letter said. “While a voluntary agreement with the four holdout unions is the best outcome, the risks to America’s economy and communities simply make a national rail strike unacceptable. Therefore, absent a voluntary agreement, we call on you to take immediate steps to prevent a national rail strike and the certain economic destruction that would follow.”

President Biden Meets With Mexican President Obrador In The Oval Office

White House Calls For Congressional Intervention To Avoid ‘Potentially Crippling’ Rail Strike

Biden Calls For Prevention Of 'Potentially Crippling' Rail Strike

Hundreds of <a href="http://dailywire.com/topic/business" target="_blank" rel="noopener">business</a> groups called upon <a href="http://dailywire.com/topic/congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">federal</a> lawmakers on Monday to prevent a rail <a href="http://dailywire.com/topic/labor-unions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">strike</a> from crippling the <a href="http://dailywire.com/topic/economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">economy</a> ahead of the holiday season.
A strike could take place on December 9 as rail companies and labor unions fail to reach an agreement. The <a href="https://www.uschamber.com/infrastructure/transportation/coalition-letter-on-rail-labor-negotiations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">letter</a>, spearheaded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, demands that members of Congress use their authority under the Railway Labor Act to intervene in the negotiations, a move that officials have taken 18 times since the legislation was passed in 1926.
“No one wins when the railroads stop running. Congress recognized their necessity to interstate commerce and America’s economic health with the passage of the Railway Labor Act and past congressional interventions in rail labor disputes when other steps fail,” the letter said. “While a voluntary agreement with the four holdout unions is the best outcome, the risks to America’s economy and communities simply make a national rail strike unacceptable. Therefore, absent a voluntary agreement, we call on you to take immediate steps to prevent a national rail strike and the certain economic destruction that would follow.”
SMART Transportation Division, a union representing rail conductors, announced last week that members <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/rail-strike-threat-returns-as-union-group-rejects-latest-offer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">failed to approve</a> a deal offering workers new health benefits and a 24% pay increase within the next two years, marking the <a href="https://www.aar.org/news/aar-statement-on-biden-peb-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">largest wage hike</a> for the industry in four decades. The daily economic cost of a nationwide rail shutdown, however, could amount to $2 billion, according to a <a href="https://www.aar.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/AAR-Rail-Shutdown-Report-September-2022.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">report</a> from the Association of American Railroads.
Among other consequences, the letter noted that commuter rail services could be disrupted ahead of the holidays, while chemical shipments necessary for wastewater treatment and businesses engaged in the “critical holiday shopping season” could see disruptions. The letter was addressed to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).
“Many businesses and communities rely on regular, uninterrupted rail service. The uncertainty of rail service during this year’s protracted contract negotiations has created enormous anxiety,” the letter added. “The freight railroads must safely reduce operations and secure their customers’ goods days in advance of a potential strike, meaning businesses and communities saw interruptions in the delivery of fertilizers, chlorine, and other products essential to clean water, our food supply, and electricity generation.”
Retail Industry Leaders Association President Brian Dodge nevertheless said during an <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/26/economy/railroad-strike-holidays-economic-impact" target="_blank" rel="noopener">interview</a> with CNN that the holiday shopping season would not be disrupted by a potential strike, since “the stuff that needs to move for the holidays has already moved by rail.” His organization, which represents major retailers such as Walmart and Home Depot, noted in a <a href="https://rilastagemedia.blob.core.windows.net/rila-web/rila.web/media/media/pdfs/supply%20chain/rila-rail-labor-dispute.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">letter</a> to the White House that freight rail accounts for 40% of long-distance shipping volume.
GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan previously <a href="https://twitter.com/GasBuddyGuy/status/1570057767725174784" target="_blank" rel="noopener">remarked</a> on social media that gas prices could increase between $0.35 per gallon and $0.75 per gallon if a railroad strike continued for multiple days since ethanol, a renewable fuel made of plant materials and blended into various gasoline products, primarily moves via rail. National average gas prices are currently $3.55 per gallon, marking a 49% increase since the beginning of last year, according to <a href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">data</a> from AAA.

Business Groups Demand Congress Step In To Avoid ‘Certain Economic Destruction’ From Rail Strike Ahead Of Holiday Season

Business Groups Call On Congress To Stop Rail Strikes

The president of the nation’s largest freight railway <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/unions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">union</a> is warning that Congress will likely get involved in order to resolve disagreements between employers and union members and steer clear of a strike. 
“I’m hopeful, but I doubt it’s really in the cards,” SMART Transportation Division President Jeremy Ferguson <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/22/jeremy-ferguson-rail-union-strike-congressional-intervention-00070395" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> Politico Monday night. “I’ve got a lot of issues that are outstanding; that are reasons why our guys voted it down.”
SMART-TD said Monday that the union’s members had <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/rail-strike-threat-returns-as-union-group-rejects-latest-offer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">voted</a> against a contract with freight railroads. A cooling-off period ends on December 4, which doesn’t allow the members to stop working. At that point, they could strike. 
“Something’s gotta happen by then, otherwise we’ll all walk,” Ferguson said. “It’s such a short time frame. I think we’re going to see Congress panic and step in here at some point next week, unfortunately.”
Even though eight unions have <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/11/21/1137640529/railroads-freight-rail-unions-vote-contract-strike" target="_blank" rel="noopener">accepted</a> the agreement, if one union decides to go on strike, all of them will join in and honor the picket lines. The president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), one of the biggest rail unions, said as much, noting that the group will adhere to the December 5 strike date of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS). As of Monday, the BRS had not said if it would prolong the cooling-off period to hit a strike date of December 9.
“Our members will certainly honor the picket line of BRS,” BLET president Dennis Pierce <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/21/if-rail-strike-begins-every-union-will-honor-picket-line-says-blet.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> CNBC. “I think every union will.” 
But Ferguson believes Congress will get involved before the deadline. Congress <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/20/rail-union-congress-strike-00069488" target="_blank" rel="noopener">could</a> decide to put in place recommendations made by a board appointed by President Joe Biden, prolong the cooling-off period, or enforce the unions’ provisional deals. 
He is also negotiating with rail carriers again on Tuesday with other unions that have rejected the provisional contracts. 
“We’ll see if it goes anywhere,” Ferguson said, however, “carriers haven’t been willing to move with the other three unions” — “and already, our agreement has a lot of work rules changes in which theirs really didn’t.” He added that “it’s a bigger hill for us to climb.”
A potential strike right before the holiday season in the United States would be destructive to the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">economy</a> of a nation that is already struggling under inflation and high costs of essential items. Price <a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-congress-government-and-politics-79d2e2c2779598b0a14396464ee4f7e9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increases</a> of gasoline, as well as a low supply of grocery items, could be expected if the groups do not come to an agreement. The strike could also effect shipping as FedEx and UPS both use the railways on some level, although the companies haven’t spoken about the situation at length.
“Fortunately, this year’s holiday gifts have already landed on store shelves. But an interruption to rail transportation does pose a significant challenge to getting items like perishable food products and e-commerce shipments delivered on time, and it will undoubtedly add to the inflationary pressures already hitting the U.S. economy,” Jess Dankert of the Retail Industry Leaders Association <a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-congress-government-and-politics-79d2e2c2779598b0a14396464ee4f7e9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> the Associated Press. 
A railway strike “would effectively bring hundreds of America’s largest food, beverage, household and personal care manufacturing operations to a halt in a matter of days as inputs and ingredients run out. On-shelf availability and accessibility will quickly drop, compounded by almost inevitable panic buying,&#8221; Tom Madrecki of the Consumer Brands Association said.
A work stoppage at the railways could also impact traveling passengers since a lot of the passenger railroads run on freight railroad tracks. The railroads could also decide to stop sending certain dangerous materials and perishable food items in advance if no agreement is reached close to the cutoff time. 
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/author/dillon-burroughs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dillon Burroughs</a> contributed to this report.

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President Of Rail Union Says Congress Involvement Likely Ahead Of Looming Strike

President Of Rail Union SMART Transportation Division President Jeremy Ferguson Says Congress Involvement Likely Ahead Of Looming Strike

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