Why It Matters
The Rail Security Alliance‘s decision to hire Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP signals serious intent to shape forthcoming rail manufacturing policy during a critical legislative moment.
RSA is positioning itself to impact the Freight RAILCAR Act of 2025, which would create a 10 percent tax credit for freight railcar replacement. New rail safety bills—including the Railway Safety Act and RAIL Act—would mandate safer tank cars and enhanced inspections. Each creates demand for new railcars, directly benefiting RSA’s industry members.
By the Numbers
The Rail Security Alliance has filed 72 total lobbying disclosures since 2016. Venn Strategies LLC remains RSA’s primary representative with 39 disclosures since April 2016.
Adding Akin Gump—a major player with 2,700 lobbying disclosures—represents meaningful escalation from RSA’s previous approach of working solely with Venn Strategies LLC since 2016.
The new team brings critical assets: Ryan Day Thompson previously lobbied for rail manufacturers and served as Chief of Staff for Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK), providing direct access to Republican leadership. Cara Morrow brings trade and tariff expertise—essential as rail manufacturers navigate volatile trade policy.
The Agenda
The Rail Security Alliance focuses on three core areas: trade, railroads, and transportation policy supporting domestic rail manufacturing.
RSA’s primary target is the Freight RAILCAR Act of 2025, creating a 10 percent tax credit for freight railcar modernization. The group also tracks the Railway Safety Act and RAIL Act, which propose hazardous materials requirements driving demand for safer railcars.
Additional priorities include the American Tank Car Modernization Act, establishing grant programs for advanced tracking systems, and the All Aboard Act, proposing passenger rail investment and zero-emission locomotive goals.
Between The Lines
Congressional committees are signaling broad interest in rail modernization. Key sponsors Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Brad Schneider (D-IL) frame the Freight RAILCAR Act as supporting American manufacturing jobs, while Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS) toured an Amsted Rail facility to promote domestic manufacturing.
The broader rail sector faces headwinds including reported layoffs at major facilities and modest carload growth. A volatile tariff environment, with imports from China down sharply and the 2026 USMCA review approaching, creates supply chain uncertainty for manufacturers—precisely why RSA added Morrow’s trade expertise.
Competitive Landscape
RSA operates within a crowded advocacy ecosystem. Trinity Industries Inc. actively pushes the Freight RAILCAR Act and American Tank Car Modernization Act—creating synergy since Thompson previously lobbied for Trinity on these exact bills.
The Railway Supply Institute lobbies comprehensively across the industry’s agenda, while Greenbrier Cos. champions similar modernization tax credits and trade issues. The convergence suggests RSA’s expanded firepower amplifies broader industry efforts rather than duplicating them.
The Bottom Line
The Rail Security Alliance’s strategic expansion with Akin Gump positions the group to navigate complex trade policy and capitalize on legislative momentum around rail safety and infrastructure investment. The dual-firm strategy suggests RSA expects critical action requiring maximum firepower on Capitol Hill while maintaining its established relationships with Venn Strategies.
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