Why It Matters

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen disclosed significant lobbying activity in its second-quarter filing, submitted July 27. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen did not specify the issues it lobbied on in its second-quarter filing.

A House committee approved a surface transportation reauthorization bill in May that incorporated provisions from the Railway Safety Act. The Brotherhood characterized the inclusion of the Railway Safety Act as a "breakthrough," suggesting the union sees meaningful progress on its core legislative priorities.

By the Numbers

The Brotherhood spent $233,133 on lobbying during the second quarter. The union operates its own in-house lobbying operation and maintained the same core team of registered lobbyists: Vince Verna, vice president and national legislative representative; Christy Smith, director of regulatory affairs; and Wayne Denson, Arkansas state legislative board chair.

Spending declined from the first quarter, when the union reported $258,709 in lobbying expenses. Over the past four quarters, from the third quarter of 2025 through the second quarter, the Brotherhood spent $974,499 on lobbying. Quarterly spending ranged from $233,133 to $258,709.

The Agenda

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen reported lobbying on railroad safety legislation during the third and fourth quarters of 2025 and the first quarter. The Senate reintroduced the Railway Safety Act, led by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH). The Brotherhood described inclusion of the Railway Safety Act in the surface transportation bill as a "breakthrough."

The Bottom Line

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen continues investing steadily in federal lobbying as rail safety legislation advances through Congress. The union's sustained quarterly spending and consistent lobbying team reflect an ongoing effort to shape transportation policy on Capitol Hill.

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