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STB Final Environmental Assessment for Mesa Rail Line

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has issued a Final Environmental Assessment (Final EA) for Union Pacific Railroad Company's proposed new rail line in Mesa, Arizona. This completes the STB's environmental review for the project.

STB Chairman Updates on Outstanding Proceedings

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Patrick Fuchs provided updates on several outstanding proceedings, including railroad abandonment applications, environmental regulations, and rulemaking petitions. Decisions on these matters are expected in February 2026.

STB Suspends Operations Due to Government Shutdown

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has suspended operations due to a lapse in federal appropriations. During the shutdown, the STB will not process filings, issue decisions, or conduct hearings, and all submission deadlines will be tolled.

STB Rejects Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Merger Application as Incomplete

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has rejected the major merger application filed by Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern due to incompleteness. The application lacked required system impact analyses and the full merger agreement, leading to its rejection without prejudice for refiling.

STB Proposes Repealing Regulations to Boost Rail Competition

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has proposed repealing regulations governing reciprocal switching, through routes, and through rates (49 C.F.R. Part 1144). This action aims to reduce regulatory barriers and promote competition in the freight rail industry by allowing for a case-by-case approach to competitive access prescriptions.

Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Rewards Program Act Cost Estimate

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has released a cost estimate for H.R. 5344, the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Rewards Program Act. This notice provides the estimated costs associated with the program as reported by the House Committee on Financial Services.

H.R. 1028 Olympic Sports Act Cost Estimate

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has provided a cost estimate for H.R. 1028, the Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act of 2026. The estimate indicates no federal spending associated with the bill.

Global Child Thrive Act Reauthorization Cost Estimate

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has released a cost estimate for H.R. 6347, the Global Child Thrive Reauthorization Act of 2025. The report details the estimated costs associated with the reauthorization, including advisor expenses.

Veterans Benefits Act Cost Estimate 2026-2036

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has released a cost estimate for H.R. 6047, the Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2026. The estimated cost ranges from $11 million to $508 million between 2026 and 2036.

CBO Estimates Effects of House Bills on Spending and Revenues

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated the effects of 15 House bills, considered under suspension of the rules during the week of March 16, 2026, on federal spending and revenues. This notice provides CBO's analysis of these legislative proposals.