FMI – The Food Industry Association and Jennifer Hatcher, chief public policy officer, issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Senate’s 80-15 vote to pass legislation preventing a rail shutdown on the heels of the House vote.
“FMI commends Congress for swift bipartisan passage of legislation to avert a rail shutdown and keep the nation’s freight rail networks operational. A rail shutdown would have been devastating for the food industry and consumers alike, particularly over the busiest shopping season of the year, as a rail closure would have cost the U.S. economy $2 billion per day.
The association shared on Nov. 30 about the potential rail strike and encouraged congressional action to prevent it.
“We are pleased that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle in the Senate and House recognized the importance of keeping goods flowing and prioritized passage of this vital legislation ahead of the weekend. We look forward to President Biden signing this legislation into law so that essential industries like food retailers and manufacturers can continue doing what they do best – serving their customers with safe, nutritious foods.”
As the food industry association, FMI works with and on behalf of the entire industry to advance a safer, healthier and more efficient consumer food supply chain. FMI brings together a wide range of members across the value chain – from retailers that sell to consumers, to producers that supply food and other products, as well as the wide variety of companies providing critical services – to amplify the collective work of the industry.
To read more association news from The Shelby Report, click here.
