Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding his vote in favor of legislation to avert a national rail shutdown in addition to his vote to provide rail workers with seven days of paid sick leave: 

“Shutting down our nation’s railways would have drastic consequences for our communities – jeopardizing supply chains that stock our grocery store shelves, ensure clean drinking water for our residents, deliver gasoline to the pumps, and provide power to our cities and towns – in addition to wreaking havoc on the commutes of thousands of Marylanders. That’s why today, I voted in favor of the bipartisan legislation to prevent such a shutdown.

“Let me be clear: our rail workforce is critical to keeping our country moving – what’s at stake today highlights just that. It’s outrageous that rail companies are refusing to provide their workers the sick leave they deserve – no one should be fired for taking time off when they’re ill. Our country cannot take these workers for granted, and providing them – and all Americans – with paid sick leave is imperative. I voted in favor of the measure to extend paid sick leave for our railroad workers, and I was deeply disappointed that it did not pass. I will continue fighting to strengthen worker protections, provide guaranteed paid sick leave for all, and support the workers who drive our nation forward.”