46 GOP Reps Urge STB to Verify Real Benefits Before Approving UP+NS Merger

Republican lawmakers are demanding the Surface Transportation Board (STB) conduct a rigorous, comprehensive review of the proposed Union Pacific (UNP) and Norfolk Southern (NSC) merger to ensure it creates clear, measurable, and substantial benefits for domestic manufacturers, agriculture, energy, and consumers. In a letter dated February 5, 2026, Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and 46 co-sponsors urged the STB to verify that the merger enhances competition and serves the public interest, citing heightened concerns over the applicants’ failure to demonstrate meaningful improvements or commitments to prevent service disruptions. The STB previously rejected the initial filing as incomplete and has gathered over 100 million data points, with MIT analysts assisting in the review. The railroads plan to re-file by March 2026. State attorneys general from nine red states and numerous stakeholders have expressed opposition, citing potential competition harm, price increases, and national security risks under the new, higher standard requiring mergers to enhance rather than merely preserve competition.