NAMA Applauds House Vote to Avert Rail Shutdown, Urges Senate to Act

November 30, 2022 – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to prevent a rail service shutdown. The legislation would enact the tentative agreement struck between the railroads and union leaders in September 2022.  

“The milling supply chain relies on rail. Even a short-term strike would have an enormous negative impact, leading to supply shortages and higher prices on household staples for consumers,” NAMA President Jane DeMarchi said. “NAMA thanks the Biden administration and House representatives for moving to avoid a shutdown and urges the Senate to act swiftly.”   

Months of negotiations between the unions that had rejected the tentative agreement and railroads ultimately stalled. NAMA joins a wide range of agriculture and food industry stakeholders in urging Congress to act, as it has in the past, and deliver a bipartisan bill to the president’s desk in advance of the December 9 deadline to avoid the devastating economic consequences of a rail service shutdown. Any delay in congressional passage of the tentative agreement increases the likelihood of rail service disruptions as railroads begin to embargo certain materials before a potential shutdown. 

Click here to learn more about NAMA’s engagement on transportation issues, including rail.

About NAMA:

NAMA is the only national trade association that exclusively represents the interests of the North American wheat, corn, oat, and rye milling industry before Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory bodies. Member companies operate mills in 32 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada, representing more than 90 percent of total industry production capacity.

The North American Millers’ Association is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Persons who require alternative means of communication for program information should contact [email protected] or 202-484-2200.