Arlington, VA – Today, FMI – The Food Industry Association Chief Public Policy Officer Jennifer Hatcher issued the following statement regarding the 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.

“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.”