Today, that same spirit of ambition and ingenuity can fuel a new American golden age. A powerful rail revival is forming across the nation that could promote a modern golden age focused on economic independence and manufacturing strength.
The idea of a transcontinental railroad represents a declaration of self-reliance in the manufacturing and transportation industries. Now, that spirit of self-reliance can be renewed through the proposed merger between Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS). A merger that will give America the opportunity to better connect manufacturers, distributors, and consumers, all while lowering the cost of goods, transportation, and the inefficiencies that come with the lack of a single, unified rail network. We must allow this merger to proceed to avoid an increasingly fragile supply chain and decreasing global manufacturing competition.
The rail networks necessary to complete Lincoln’s dream already exist. Upon the approval of the unification of UP and NS, the tracks of both companies combined will span over 50,000 route miles across 43 states, linking 100 ports and nearly every corner of North America. This massive scale underscores the importance of rail in maintaining the country’s manufacturing prowess and reach.
Beyond its physical reach, the real promise of this merger lies in its economic impact. According to the Association of American Railroads (AAR), rail generated $233 billion in total economic output in 2023, a pillar of the American economy. That same year, America’s Class I railroads reinvested nearly $27 billion to modernize infrastructure, enhance safety, and improve reliability. Every dollar invested in rail drives $2.50 in economic activity – a multiplier that shows how much growth rail investment can create. These investments are not symbolic gestures; they are commitments to supporting the country that built them and that they plan to strengthen.
A strong rail system is more than a transportation network; it reflects a national commitment to domestic production and efficiency. Efficient rail moves goods faster, cheaper, and with less environmental strain than trucking, freeing up highways and reducing road maintenance costs for taxpayers. It empowers small American producers to compete globally without relying on fragile foreign supply lines. By linking industrial hubs to port cities, these producers can ship goods coast-to-coast without having to deal with bottlenecks and intermediaries. That’s how we build, produce, and prosper here in the United States – through stronger rail connectivity.
Our country is at a crossroads: our roads are congested, the cost of goods and shipping continues to rise, and our dependence on overseas manufacturing is at an all-time high. The Surface Transportation Board (STB) must support this revival of freight rail shipping and approve the merger between UP and NS to strengthen our infrastructure and invest back into America’s future. Rail modernization is not a partisan cause; it is a patriotic one. Whether in Omaha or Atlanta, a unified rail system means a stronger America.
President Lincoln viewed a transcontinental railroad as a symbol of unity and a step toward manufacturing dominance; this promise still holds true today. With modern rails, American workers, and a new sense of purpose, we can connect our coasts, power our production capabilities, and strengthen our economic independence. The next golden age will not be imported – it will be built by American hands.
It is time to get rail back on track.
Aiden Buzzetti is the Founder and President of the Bull Moose Project and President of the 1776 Project Foundation. He was previously the Director of Coalitions for the 1776 Project PAC and can be found on X at @AidenBuzzetti.
