Congress took 'urgent action' to quell a strike: At Biden's urging, the House overwhelmingly passed legislation this week that would adopt a tentative deal reached in September between union leaders and freight operators.What rail workers want: The railroad unions are asking freight and railway companies for a pay increase, as well as better working conditions, including paid time off and a more flexible schedule.What this means: Much of the country's goods still travel by freight train. Ahead of the holiday season, a halt in the shipment of food products and other critical goods could debilitate the economy. But some of the unions have rejected the deal and the disagreement is poised to escalate. 9 deadline looming, Congress reluctantly inserted itself in the dispute this week to stave off a strike that would cost the economy $2 billion per day. Rail unions are headed toward a strike over pay and grievances from members that working conditions are grueling and not conducive to a life off the job. My top song of 2022 on Spotify is 'Work Out' by Rainbow Kitten Surprise. 🙋🏼‍♀️ I'm Nicole Fallert, Daily Briefing author.

Also in the news: President Joe Biden's first state dinner and USA TODAY investigates migrant worker deaths in the building of Qatar's World Cup tournament.

9 despite efforts by Congress to deescalate a labor dispute that threatens an economic disaster. Rail workers are poised to strike as early as Dec.

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