US: Joe Biden 'directly' involved in negotiations to end railroad strike

The White House said Tuesday that President Joe Biden was involved in the negotiations to further prevent a railroad strike that threatens to shut down supply chains. Biden also condemned the potential strike and said that the best option was for both sides to resolve the issue.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that Biden was “directly” involved in the negotiations that are taking place to prevent a railroad strike that would threaten to shut down supply chains. Jean-Pierre added that Biden said a shutdown was “unacceptable” and that both sides should best resolve the issue without further providing specific details as to the extent of Biden’s involvement.

On Wednesday, Biden condemned the recent mass shooting that took place at a Walmart in Chesapeake, Virginia. The gunman shot at least six people, and Biden called on lawmakers to further take action to curb gun violence.

“Because of yet another horrific and senseless act of violence, there are now even more tables across the country that will have empty seats this Thanksgiving. There are now more families who know the worst kind of pain and loss imaginable,” said Biden in a statement released by the White House.

“This year, I signed the most significant gun reform in a generation, but that is nearly not enough. We must take greater action,” said the US leader, adding that he has instructed federal officials to provide the needed support to the people in the area.

The shooting in Virginia comes days after a shooting that took place at an LGBTQ club in Colorado Springs. Five people were killed, and 17 others were injured. The suspect, Anderson Lee Aldrich, was recently transferred from the hospital where he was treated, to jail Tuesday, and is expected to appear before a judge the next day.

Aldrich is held on five counts of first-degree murder and hate crimes.

Also on Wednesday, the White House also condemned the two bomb blasts that took place at bus stops in Jerusalem and that the United States had offered assistance to Israel in its probe of the attacks. One person was killed, and 14 were injured in the blasts.