(UTU National Legislative Office Letterhead not reproduced)

H.R. 4844 

Even before HR 4844 was introduced and given a number, it was UTU's prediction, that while it would be preferable for the legislation to move as a "stand-alone" bill, the reality was that in the endgame, it would probably be attached to some form of omnibus legislation. Our prediction was that the omnibus legislation would be in the form of a tax bill or an appropriation bill.

The overwhelming bi-partisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives (391 to 25) and the Senate (80 Senators signed a letter of support) is a matter of history. Meetings are now being held to consider including the language of HR 4844 in HR 4577, the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Bill (Labor/HHS). It is important to repeat that. It appears that the language of HR 4844 will be included in the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Bill (HR 4577). There must be a clear distinction made that HR 4844 itself will not move alone but will be a part of something much larger. We will know if these efforts are successful by this weekend.

The Labor/HHS Appropriations Bill (HR 4577) will be an omnibus bill with a lot of issues going along for the ride. This is not uncommon. It is conceivable that the Labor/HHS Appropriations Bill (HR 4577) may be vetoed once because of some controversial issues that may also be included. Obviously, because of the overwhelming support that our legislation has, it is not considered a controversial issue. If the bill is vetoed, conferences will be held and some or all of those controversial issues would be eliminated. The Labor/HHS Appropriations Bill (HR 4577) would be then re-submitted.

Please wait to take any action on requesting support for HR 4577 until we are sure that the language of HR 4844 is included.

The Railroad Retirement legislation is not dead. In fact, we are exactly where we thought we would be at this time!

Keep the faith.

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