WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today voted to give railroad workers and management additional time to resolve their dispute and protect Americans from an economic disaster. 

Kennedy also voted to grant workers seven additional days of paid sick leave. Both of these attempts failed to pass the Senate. Kennedy then voted to avert the strike and its economic consequences.

“I voted to give the parties more time because, with extra time, I think the workers and management could resolve their issues. I cast my second vote in support of the workers, because I think they have a valid point. My third vote supported an agreement because I think a nationwide strike would hurt shippers, consumers and workers. 

“I really regret that this problem ended up in the lap of Congress. Pres. Biden was not honest with the American people when he told them—before the midterm elections—that he had successfully mediated a resolution of the issues and that there would not be a strike,” said Kennedy.