WASHINGTON — Union Pacific has bolstered its lobbyist efforts on Capitol Hill to support its effort to merge with Norfolk Southern.
Politico reports the railroad has hired a team from the firm of Squire Patton Boggs led by former U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), who spent 18 years in the House, including six as chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, before retiring in 2019. Shuster will provide “strategic advocacy in support of creation of America’s first transcontinental railroad,” according to a filing quoted by the news site. Others involved in the effort are Tommy Andrews, a special assistant for legislative affairs during President Trump’s first term; former Shuster aid Rebekah Sungala, and David Schnittger, a former aid to Rep. John Boehner.
Shuster has previously lobbied for the Association of American Railroads. A UP representative told Politico the hiring is part of “efforts to educate all stakeholdres about the merger.”
UP spent $3.04 million on lobbying in 2024, according to the website Open Secrets, which tracks political spending. It has spent $1.95 million so far this year. Norfolk Southern, which spent $2.14 million in 2024, has spent $1.29 million so far this year.
Look for a massive set of motive power with “TRUMP” plastered across each engine until they get what they want. He does love his name in big lettered signs.
Even with all the money greasing the skids in the Swamp, I still don’t think it will happen. Like AT&T and TMobile, just too much at play and much is negative.
All they have to do is butter up the president; gush over his phenomenal leadership skills and express surprise over how much better he looks in person than on TV, and the path to closing the deal will be made smooth. Regulators and legislators, not to mention judges, don’t hold good hands in this high stakes card game. The lobbyists wear a poker face and know how to bluff well. And the Dear Leader is, despite his braggadocio, easily bought.
Unsurprisingly, the renowned rail giant wants it all and it wants it its way…
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
Lobbyists provide education, huh?
I was thinking something similar. One persons “lobbying” is another person’s “education”. If you believe the merger is in the public interest, it’s “educational” to make sure the STB understands that. If you don’t, they’re trying to “lobby” the STB. It all depends on your perspective.