Education Time on Capitol Hill: Union Pacific Sends Delegation to Railroad Day in Washington, D.C.

The group met with numerous congressional members and their staff throughout the day Wednesday to discuss – among other things – ways in which the federal permitting process can be streamlined to speed up infrastructure projects and how America’s freight railroads are vital to the country’s economic development.

The Union Pacific delegation returned to Capitol Hill the next day to talk about something a little closer to home: the merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern and how a transcontinental railroad can unlock America’s potential as a global economic powerhouse.

“Strong public policies that support the rail industry are not just good for railroads, they also provide critical support to the nation’s supply chain and the businesses and consumers who rely upon railroads to deliver their products,” said Andrew Brady, vice president – External Relations for Union Pacific Railroad.

“This was also a great opportunity to educate our country’s leaders about the merger and how it will increase competition in the nation’s supply chain,” Brady added.

Railroad Day on The Hill is an annual event where key industry partners, including people from Class I and short line railroads, spend a day talking to elected officials and hundreds of congressional offices about how public policies can help railroads invest in infrastructure, improve safety and create value for rail customers.

This year’s industry agenda:

• Support critical rail safety grant programs; encourage innovation and deployment of technology.
• Streamline federal permitting processes for projects that enhance safety and rail efficiency, including bridges, terminals and track.
• Oppose longer and heavier trucks.

The Union Pacific delegation included members from across the railroad, including the Public Affairs, Environment, Operations, Communications and Marketing and Sales departments.