The prevailing take on the looming national rail crisis is that a few recalcitrant railroad unions are poised go on strike Dec. 9, provoking an industrywide labor walkout that would inflict a "crippling" blow to the U.S. economy.
The quoted word comes from President Biden, who on Monday called on Congress to impose a contract on the workers and avert the strike.
His concern was echoed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, who indicated that her chamber is ready to do so. In the Senate, both Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-New York, and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, have expressed willingness to go along.
