(NAFB.com) – Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin pressed two of President Donald Trump’s nominees to the Surface Transportation Board on Thursday about whether they would act independently or bow to political influence as the board reviews a proposed rail megamerger. During a Senate Commerce Committee hearing, Baldwin questioned nominees Richard Kloster and Michelle Schultz about their willingness to resist pressure from the White House following Trump’s controversial dismissal of former board member Robert Primus. The hearing comes as the board begins reviewing Union Pacific’s proposed acquisition of Norfolk Southern, a deal that would mark the largest freight rail consolidation in decades. Baldwin warned the merger could reduce competition and worsen service for shippers, including Wisconsin farmers and manufacturers. Union Pacific’s CEO recently met with Trump at the White House and pledged to contribute to a $300 million ballroom project — a move Baldwin said underscores concerns about political interference.