Washington, D.C.— Below is a statement from U.S. Conference of Mayors’ CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran on the need for swift passage of the proposed agreement between railroad workers and operators to avoid a national rail shutdown:

“As the nation faces the threat of a catastrophic rail shutdown, America’s mayors are calling on Congress to enact the labor agreement brokered by the Biden Administration. The deal approved by both union and management negotiators in September provides rail workers with significant pay raises and improved health care benefits while ensuring that the economy is not brought to a standstill. Such a disruption would be devastating for American families and cities, particularly ahead in the holiday season. With even the slightest delay threatening our economy, we urge the House and Senate to act quickly and send this fair and reasonable agreement to the president’s desk for signature.”