Union Pacific by Jim Bauer is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.
Americans for Tax Reform, the Center for Worker Freedom, and 24 other groups sent a coalition letter to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) on Friday advocating for approval of the proposed merger between the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads.
The acquisition of Norfolk Southern by Union Pacific would create the nation’s first true transcontinental railroad, strengthening economic efficiencies while allowing the freight transportation system of the United States to compete with that of peer nations like Canada. The STB has the authority to review mergers and acquisitions of Class I railroads.
Read the full letter here or below.
October 3, 2025
Surface Transportation Board Members
395 E Street, SW,
Washington, DC 20423-0001
To the Members of the Surface Transportation Board:
America stands at the threshold of a new industrial era. Calls to reshore manufacturing, strengthen domestic supply chains and prioritize American workers aim to rebuild the foundations of our nation’s economic strength – but whether those ambitions translate into lasting results remains to be seen.
For this revival to succeed, however, our country must match new industrial growth with the infrastructure capable of supporting it. That is why the proposed merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern is so critical and why we write to you today to express our sincere support for the merger. By linking two of the nation’s largest rail networks into a unified transcontinental system, this merger will unlock faster, more reliable and more affordable movement of goods across the United States.
The benefits are clear. The transaction will increase rail efficiency by eliminating bottlenecks where freight rail is delayed by handoffs between carriers at busy and inefficient interchanges in major cities, reducing waste and speeding up deliveries. A streamlined coast-to-coast rail system will also help reduce the cost of consumer goods transported frequently by rail, ultimately lowering costs for American consumers and families. The merger has the potential to benefit consumers by reducing prices on everything from groceries to household goods. A truly national rail system will strengthen our supply chains against disruptions and reduce reliance on foreign competitors – a true win for a resilient, America First future.
Just as President Lincoln’s transcontinental railroad united the nation in the 19th century, this merger represents a 21st century opportunity to unite America’s farms, factories, energy producers and retailers with the speed and precision demanded by today’s economy.
We cannot ignore the global stakes. China is pouring billions into its “Belt and Road” initiative to dominate international logistics. Canada already operates its own transcontinental rail lines. If America fails to act, we risk falling behind. Approving this merger ensures that American goods are moved on American rails by American workers, ultimately strengthening our economy while protecting our national interests.
It is no surprise that Canadian competitors have voiced opposition. They know that a stronger American system means less freight flowing through foreign-controlled channels. But the Surface Transportation Board’s responsibility is to the United States and its people, not to foreign corporations seeking to protect their market share.
The UP–NS merger is more than a business deal; it is an investment in America’s future. It will create high-quality jobs, revive domestic manufacturing, and position our nation to lead in a fiercely competitive global economy.
We urge the Surface Transportation Board to approve this merger without delay.
Sincerely,
Andrew Langer, President, Institute for Liberty
Saul Anuzis, President, 60 Plus Association
Tirzah Duren, President & CEO, American Consumer Institute
Grover Norquist, President, Americans for Tax Reform
Aiden Buzzetti, President, Bull Moose Project
Ryan Ellis, President, Center for a Free Economy
Brian Garst, Vice President, Center for Freedom and Prosperity
Jeff Mazzella, President, Center for Individual Freedom
David Ozgo, Executive Director, Center for Transportation Advancement
Rowan Saydlowski, Director, Center for Worker Freedom
Tom Schatz, President, Citizens Against Government Waste
Matt Kandrach, President, Consumer Action for a Strong Economy
Yael Ossowski, President, Consumer Choice Center
James Edwards, Founder, Conservatives for Property Rights
Ashley Baker, Director of Public Policy, Committee for Justice
Palmer Schoening, President, Family Business Coalition
George Landrith, President, Frontiers of Freedom
Mario Lopez, President, Hispanic Leadership Fund
Tom Giovanetti, President, Institute for Policy Innovation
Ike Brannon, Senior Fellow, Jack Kemp Foundation
Sarah Hunt, President, Joseph Rainey Center
Charles Sauer, President, Market Institute
Alex Hergott, President, Permitting Institute
Karen Kerrigan, President, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council
Phil Bell, President, Tower K Group
David Williams, President, Taxpayers Protection Alliance
