US President Joe Biden signs bill into law that blocks rail strike

President Joe Biden signed a bill into law on Friday that forces railroad unions to accept the labor deal brokered by the administration and rejects the unions' request for any additional paid sick leave.<br><br>"I know this was a tough vote for members of both parties. It was not a vote I took lightly, but I believe it was necessary for the economy and the American people," Biden said in a statement. "I am proud to have signed the end of the national rail strike the law of the land."<br><br>Congress acted with unusual haste to impose the compromise after the largest freight rail unions, which cover most of the 115,000 workers in the industry, rejected the September deal. The unions had been seeking an additional day off and more flexible attendance policies, among other demands. The compromise partly addresses those concerns.<br><br>The House on Wednesday voted 290 to 137 to pass the legislation, with 79 Republicans joining 211 Democrats in voting "yes." The Senate voted 80 to 15 on Thursday. Five senators missed the vote.<br><br>The White House coordinated closely with Senate Democrats and Republicans to secure passage of the bill.