Hoeven, Klobuchar Raise Rail Competition Concerns

Senators John Hoeven of North Dakota and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota are pushing for a thorough review of the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, citing potential risks to rail service and competition. The senators warned that the merger could particularly impact agricultural shippers, who already face limited transportation options. In a letter to the Surface Transportation Board, the lawmakers noted the combined UP–NS system would control more than 40 percent of freight rail traffic across 43 states. They urged the STB to apply heightened post-2001 merger standards to ensure long-term competitiveness. The call has received backing from national farm and industry groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union, and American Crystal Sugar Company.