Alaska Democrat clashes with Biden on rail strike

Just days after scoring a victory in Alaska’s general congressional district, Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, is clashing with the Biden Administration’s agenda, saying she would vote against a proposed bill to prevent a potential financially crippling rail strike after workers called for more action on the inclusion of paid sick leave.

“I’m really concerned about the fact that the negotiation ended without really getting to where we need it to be,” Peltola said in an interview on Meet the press NOW. “I just don’t think it’s right or fair to expect workers to come in and work sick like dogs without being able to have a few days to recover.”

Peltola evaded questions about his support for an assault weapons ban despite calls by the president and other Democratic members for the ban to go into effect following several mass shootings in recent weeks.

“I think we can’t just focus on assault weapons. I think we clearly need to focus on mental health issues,” Peltola said, “I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. This is something Alaskans are very clear about. … I’m not really sure that we can practically implement them right now.”

Peltola did not say whether he would endorse Biden for another term, saying that “it remains to be determined” whether he is the best choice to represent the Democratic Party in 2024.

“I would also like to see who else is on the field,” Peltola said.