Senator Paul Wellstone announces support
for railroad retirement bill

UTU President Little, Senator Wellstone and MN Legislative Director Smullen

MINNEAPOLIS (Aug. 29) - Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-Minn.) today announced that he will support and vote in favor of the Railroad Retirement Improvement and Survivors Act (H.R. 4844) when it reaches the U.S. Senate.

Speaking before 750 United Transportation Union (UTU) members attending a Regional Meeting at the Minneapolis Hilton on Tuesday, Wellstone said, "When the Railroad Retirement bill comes to the floor of the U.S. Senate, you have my support and my vote."

Currently, the Railroad Retirement bill, H.R.4844, is awaiting ratification in the U.S. House of Representatives. Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) has promised that the bill, which has more than 300 co-sponsors the House, will be voted on in September. It is expected to pass overwhelmingly.

Proclaiming himself a "very strong labor Senator," Wellstone said he was "proud of the UTU and its history, and you should be proud, too." He praised International President Charles L. Little for his leadership, and endorsed the work of National Legislative Director James "Broken Rail" Brunkenhoefer "for his passion and tireless effort."

In regard to the November election, Wellstone urged UTU members and all of labor to vote for Al Gore and Joe Lieberman, and to elect a Democratic House and Senate.

"A lot's at stake in this election," Wellstone said. "The Supreme Court, the House, the Senate and the White House are all up for grabs."

Wellstone said he will do whatever it takes to block the Republican's anti-labor agenda. "They're not going to move ahead with an anti-labor agenda. I'll block them. I'm a labor senator."

On the subject of the China Trade Bill, Wellstone said that he will offer five amendments to it when the bill reaches the Senate. He said he would "force a vote" on labor law reform that would make organizing workers easier.

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