(Radio Iowa) [updated 11/30] – President Biden is calling on Congress to intervene to avoid a nationwide railroad strike that’s looming in early December and Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says he anticipates there will be quick action by federal lawmakers. Grassley, a Republican, says a rail strike would be “devastating” to the country’s economy, costing perhaps two-billion dollars per week, and it couldn’t come at a worse time for Iowa’s farmers. Grassley says, “You’ve heard ag producers in Iowa and all across the country stating their dependence on rail to move inputs, grains and other ag products.” Resolving the labor dispute and preventing the rail strike, in Grassley’s words, is “something that must be done.”

“The administration’s presidential emergency board has worked to resolve this dispute, but thus far, the president, by his own actions, has only managed to delay a strike from early October until now, I think December 9th, so the situation is not resolved.” Grassley says this could’ve and should’ve been done well before now, but he blames Democrats for being “too focused on a partisan spending agenda.” A Senate vote on the Respect for Marriage Act took place, Tuesday. The final vote was 61-36. Backers have said the bill would protect same-sex marriage rights while also providing a layer of religious freedoms. Grassley opposed the measure. Iowa Senator Joni Ernst voted in favor.

“The bill has no practical impact on the status quo of these marriages, but it would expose religious organizations and individuals to new legal jeopardy,” Grassley says. He said he might change his mind and consider supporting the broader piece of legislation.