(Reuters) -Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena said on Wednesday he was confident that the railroad operator would receive a merger approval from the U.S. administration over its deal with Norfolk Southern.

In July, Union Pacific announced an $85 billion stock-and-cash acquisition of the smaller rival, which, if approved, would create the country’s first coast-to-coast freight rail operator.

Speaking at a Morgan Stanley Conference, Vena said he has met with senior people in the administration, who called the deal a “win for the country”.

“Do I think we’re going to get it approved? The answer is yes”, Vena added.

The merger faces intense scrutiny from the Surface Transportation Board, which received a notice of intent from the companies on July 30, 2025.

The companies plan to file a formal appl

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