Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08) released the following statement about his vote to pass H.J.Res.100, the Imposing the Railway Labor Tentative Agreeement, to avert a disatrous national rail shutdown and increase pay for rail workers:

"Yesterday I voted in favor of H.J.Res.100, Imposing the Railway Labor Tentative Agreement, to avert a disastrous national rail shutdown that would result in massive economic losses and impact millions of hard-working American people and families. Both rail union leadership and rail carriers have agreed to the terms of this agreement, which provides a historic 24% pay increase for rail workers, additional health care coverage and time off for routine and emergency medical care. I also voted in favor of a separate bill, H.Con.Res.119, which would give rail workers seven additional days of paid sick leave. As a former union president, I understand the difficulties of the negotiation process and I commend all the parties involved for approving this tentative agreement. I am pleased to see both the Railway Labor Tentative Agreement and H.Con.Res.119 were passed in the House and will now go to the Senate for consideration. I thank all our rail workers for their hard work – that our economy largely depends on – and determination to make sure they receive the health care and compensation they deserve."