[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 46 (Friday, March 29, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S3213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             PROPOSED UNION PACIFIC-SOUTHERN PACIFIC MERGER

  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I would like to comment on a situation that 
much of the country is following very closely. I am speaking of the 
proposed merger between the Union Pacific and Southern Pacific 
Railroads.
  I have been contacted by various groups and organizations regarding 
this merger. I realize that there are concerns regarding the effects of 
the merger, and I have encouraged any person or group having concerns 
to participate in the open-comment period of the Surface Transportation 
Board, which ends today. The Surface Transportation Board, the 
Government agency now responsible for overseeing railroad mergers since 
the elimination of the Interstate Commerce Commission, will review all 
information and make the appropriate decisions regarding the merger.
  I also want to acknowledge that there are a number of individuals 
involved in the merger who are active supporters of my Presidential 
campaign. In order to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest, 
this Senator wants to make clear his intention to not become involved 
in any discussion related to the proposed merger.

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