Why it Matters
Union Pacific’s registration of heavyweight lobbying firm Squire Patton Boggs signals the railroad giant is gearing up for intense political battles. The move comes as Union Pacific pursues an $85 billion Norfolk Southern merger while facing mounting congressional pressure on safety issues. The firm brings former House Transportation Committee Chairman Bill Shuster to lead the four-person team.
By the Numbers
The lobbying team consists of four registered lobbyists:
- William Franklin “Bill” Shuster: Former House Transportation Committee Chairman
- David Michael Schnittger: 14 years, 7 months House Republican leadership experience (1999-2017)
- Thomas S. Andrews: 9 years, 7 months House experience (2010-2019), including Speaker’s office
- Rebekah Sungala: 6 years, 6 months House Transportation Committee experience (2011-2019)
The registration, effective March 17, 2025, lists “Railroads (RRR)” as the primary issue area.
Broader Context
The East Palestine derailment’s aftermath continues reverberating through Washington. The NTSB’s June 2024 final report criticized automated inspection systems that railroads want to expand. President Trump fired Surface Transportation Board Democrat Robert Primus in August 2025, creating a Republican majority on the rail regulator. The railroad industry is pushing for an FRA waiver to cut human track inspections by 75%.
The Agenda
Union Pacific is lobbying on railroad issues as multiple safety bills advance through Congress. H.R.928, the Railway Safety Act, would mandate two-person crews and increase civil penalties. H.R.971, the RAIL Act, contains similar provisions with different timelines. The company also faces Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act reauthorization discussions affecting billions in rail funding.
Competitive Landscape
Railroad lobbying has intensified amid consolidation talks and safety scrutiny. Senators Tammy Baldwin and Roger Marshall have expressed concerns about Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger discussions. Multiple senators, led by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Sen. Maria Cantwell, oppose the industry’s automated track inspection waiver request.
Between the Lines
Congress has held multiple hearings on rail modernization and safety. A Senate Commerce hearing on “Modernizing America’s Rail Network” highlighted funding concerns as Infrastructure Act appropriations expire. House Transportation Committee innovation hearings showed members want both modernization and maintained safety standards. The timing coincides with pending FRA decisions on automated inspection technology.
The Bottom Line
Union Pacific’s lobbying expansion reflects the railroad industry’s most complex political moment in decades. With major safety legislation pending, a massive merger requiring approval, and regulatory changes worth billions at stake, the company is betting that experienced advocates can navigate competing pressures from Congress, unions, and regulators.
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