U.S. Senate reaches deal to expedite vote averting national rail strike

Dec. 1 (UPI) -- The U.S. Senate Thursday reached a deal on a vote to avert a national U.S. rail strike following negotiations among Senate leaders. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the deal will expedite the vote.

A national rail strike would deliver a heavy blow to the U.S. economy.

"We will have three votes," Schumer told reporters after announcing the votes on the Senate floor. "First on the Sullivan resolution, just delaying everything for 60 days. Then on the seven-day sick day addition, and then on the concurrent resolution final passage."

The House passed a bill to avert the rail strike Wednesday.

House passes bill to avoid railroad strike