Why It Matters
Canal Edge LLC is entering federal lobbying as Congress advances major rail legislation, including the All Aboard Act, which would dedicate billions to rail modernization with new technology mandates and safety requirements. This marks Canal Edge’s first federal lobbying engagement in a field dominated by established railroads.
Multiple bills are moving through Congress, including the Railway Safety Act of 2025, the RAIL Act, and the American Tank Car Modernization Act. Congressional committees have held multiple hearings on modernizing America’s rail network, examining infrastructure funding and technology integration.
By the Numbers
Canal Edge LLC hired Harbinger Strategies LLC on January 1, 2025. The firm has disclosed over $108 million in total lobbying fees across 115 clients over the past decade.
John G. Leganski is the sole registered lobbyist on the engagement. He represents 23 organizations with disclosed fees exceeding $7.1 million since April 2024, including FedEx Corp. ($350,000), Airlines for America Inc. ($420,000), and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. ($470,000).
Leganski spent 11 years as a House staffer (2013-2025), serving in a senior role for former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-20). This is Canal Edge LLC’s first federal lobbying engagement.
The Agenda
Canal Edge LLC is lobbying on "issues related to railroad modernization" as Congress advances multiple major bills reshaping rail policy.
The All Aboard Act dedicates $200 billion over five years to rail modernization, including $150 billion for passenger rail and a $50 billion Green Railroad Fund for electrification. The Railway Safety Act of 2025, RAIL Act, and American Tank Car Modernization Act create multiple entry points for industry input on technology mandates and regulatory requirements.
Members are actively securing federal grants for rail projects in their districts. Leganski’s experience representing transportation and defense clients on Railway Labor Act issues and corporate tax reform, combined with his 11-year House tenure, provides direct access to Republican leadership.
Broader Context
The All Aboard Act represents historic federal investment with specific allocations for passenger rail, electrification, and workforce training. Safety-focused legislation including the Railway Safety Act of 2025 and related bills create multiple access points for industry input on technical standards and grant program design.
Key opportunities include a $50 billion "Green Railroad Fund" for electrification technology, competitive federal grant programs worth billions annually, and tax incentives like the expanded Short Line Railroad Tax Credit Modernization Act.
However, investigations show federal regulators implemented only five of 81 safety recommendations from accident investigations between 2015 and 2024, while the Association of American Railroads submitted an 80-item deregulation wish list, suggesting modernization rules will be contested.
Between The Lines
Both chambers are conducting active oversight. The Senate Commerce Committee held hearings on modernizing America’s rail network in June 2025. The House Subcommittee on Railroads held multiple hearings examining infrastructure needs, federal grant efficiency, and technology innovation.
Members are actively shaping rail policy. Reps. Mike Thompson and Mike Kelly introduced legislation to expand tax credits for short-line railroads. Senators Klobuchar and Smith secured $1.64 million for Minnesota projects, while Rep. Jim Clyburn announced $205 million for South Carolina rail improvements.
Competitive Landscape
Canal Edge enters a space dominated by established players. BNSF Railway Co., Norfolk Southern Corp., and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. actively lobby on safety, infrastructure, and regulatory matters.
The federal funding pipeline intensifies competitive pressure. The Federal Railroad Administration administers multiple competitive grant programs, with $102 billion in total rail funding available under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This competitive environment means lobbying will focus on shaping program design and technical requirements affecting allocation decisions.
The Bottom Line
Canal Edge LLC enters federal lobbying as Congress advances multiple bills directing billions toward rail modernization. The All Aboard Act alone dedicates $200 billion over five years, creating significant funding opportunities and regulatory requirements.
By retaining Harbinger Strategies and John G. Leganski, Canal Edge gains immediate access to Republican leadership circles as Congress debates technical details of modernization grants, safety mandates, and technology standards.
The company enters a crowded field dominated by major railroads like BNSF Railway and Norfolk Southern, but the convergence of historic federal investment, evolving safety regulations, and emerging technologies suggests substantial lobbying activity ahead.
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