Insights: Clients

Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern: Policy Considerations

We are beginning to see a partisan split in Congress regarding the proposed Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern merger, with numerous Republicans in Congress expressing support for it and Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Schumer (D-NY), expressing reservations. Notably, some Republicans are also expressing concern about the merger, which is...

Mergers & Acquisitions

Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern: STB Considerations

The companies filed a notice of intent regarding their proposed merger with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) on July 30, 2025. This filing initiates a timeline for the companies to submit a merger application in 3-6 months. The companies stated that they intend to file their application on or before January 29, 2026.

Russian Oil Tariffs/Sanctions

President Trump imposed a 50% tariff on India related to its purchases of Russian energy products. He has said in recent weeks that he would use tariffs and sanctions to coerce Russia to negotiate an end to its war against Ukraine. Unnamed White House officials have reportedly signaled that tariffs on other countries are expected to be imposed...

Despite President Trump’s request for a 40% reduction in NIH funding for FY26, Congressional appropriators are preliminarily moving in the direction of keeping NIH funding flat to modestly positive next fiscal year.

340B Drug Discount Program

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has begun accepting applications for a voluntary 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program that will allow drug manufacturers to provide 340B-discounted drug prices using a rebate mechanism. The pilot is set to begin January 1, 2026 and last at least one year. In practice, such rebate models have the...

The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) is in the process of developing a demonstration program which would test allowing Medicare Part D plans and state Medicaid program to cover GLP-1 products for weight loss purposes. Reports suggest the demonstration could begin as soon as Q2 next year for state Medicaid programs (~2027 for...