More than 100 House Democrats, led by Rep. Valerie Hoyle (D-Ore.), sent a letter Thursday to the Surface Transportation Board demanding that the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger be evaluated first and foremost for its impact on railroad jobs, safety and accountability.
In a rare showing of party unity that comes just weeks before the crucial midterm elections, the Sept. 3 letter, signed by 102 members and coordinated with the Teamsters Rail Conference union, arrives as the STB moves into the next phase of its review of the $85-billion transaction that would create the first transcontinental freight railroad.
“The proposed Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP)–Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC) merger would create the largest rail network in this country’s history,” Hoyle said in a statement accompanying the 10-page letter. “Railroad workers are the backbone of our supply chain, and their rights and security must come first. When workers do well, our economy thrives.”
The letter extends its pre-election messaging, raising concerns over how a merged railroad with monopolistic powers could dictate terms and ultimately, raise prices for consumers.
The Democrats’ statement comes more than a year after the deal was first announced in July 2025.
The lawmakers are pressing the STB to “fully evaluate what this merger could mean for jobs, safety and accountability” before granting approval.
Mark Wallace, national president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and head of the Teamsters Rail Conference, said the coalition has already met with Union Pacific Chief Executive Jim Vena. But Wallace said that UP’s offer of “lifetime employment” for union members does not fully protect some positions.
The congressional letter adds to mounting political pressure on the STB as it assesses the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern application.
On Sept. 1, attorneys general from Montana, Iowa, Kansas, Florida, North Dakota, South Dakota and Tennessee filed a separate letter asking the STB to deny the revised merger application, arguing the railroads have not shown the deal is in the public interest and warning of higher costs for farmers, shippers and consumers.
A Stop the Rail Merger coalition has also sent a letter to President Donald Trump opposing the transaction on similar grounds.
The board lifted an abeyance on the proceeding in mid‑August, set a Nov. 18 deadline for comments, protests and requests for conditions, and extended the notice‑of‑intent deadline to Sept. 30. It has also requested additional information from the applicants and is preparing an environmental impact statement as part of its evaluation.
Subscribe to FreightWaves’ Rail e-newsletter and get the latest insights on rail freight right in your inbox.
Read more articles by Stuart Chirls here.
Read more:
Rail freight gains ride steelmaking, energy sectors
DOT unveils plan to turn highways, rail lines into multi‑use utility arteries
Greenbrier tabs new CEO in leadership succession
STB extends deadline for participation in UP-NS merger review
Brokerage Compliance Symposium
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
F3 Awards Dinner
The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
F3: Future of Freight Festival
Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowThe night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowIndustry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now