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LOBBYING REPORT |
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (Section 5) - All Filers Are Required to Complete This Page
2. Address
| Address1 | 500 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, NW |
Address2 | SUITE 550 |
| City | WASHINGTON |
State | DC |
Zip Code | 20001 |
Country | USA |
3. Principal place of business (if different than line 2)
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5. Senate ID# 7441-12
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6. House ID# 315830000
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| TYPE OF REPORT | 8. Year | 2026 |
Q1 (1/1 - 3/31) | Q2 (4/1 - 6/30) | Q3 (7/1 - 9/30) | Q4 (10/1 - 12/31) |
9. Check if this filing amends a previously filed version of this report
| 10. Check if this is a Termination Report | Termination Date |
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11. No Lobbying Issue Activity |
| INCOME OR EXPENSES - YOU MUST complete either Line 12 or Line 13 | |||||||||
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| 12. Lobbying | 13. Organizations | ||||||||
| INCOME relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period was: | EXPENSE relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period were: | ||||||||
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| Provide a good faith estimate, rounded to the nearest $10,000, of all lobbying related income for the client (including all payments to the registrant by any other entity for lobbying activities on behalf of the client). | 14. REPORTING Check box to indicate expense accounting method. See instructions for description of options. | ||||||||
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Method A.
Reporting amounts using LDA definitions only
Method B. Reporting amounts under section 6033(b)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code Method C. Reporting amounts under section 162(e) of the Internal Revenue Code |
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| Signature | Digitally Signed By: MICHAEL R. SMYTHERS, JR. |
Date | 4/16/2026 1:51:50 PM |
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code RRR
16. Specific lobbying issues
Issues pertaining to Passenger Rail.
Issues pertaining to Railroad Safety.
Issues pertaining to Permit Reform.
Issues pertaining to Regulatory Improvement.
Issues pertaining to preserving balanced economic regulation.
Issues related to federal transportation-related nominations.
Issues related to international railway crossings and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Issues related to security and rail freight transportation at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders.
Issues related to Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act
Issues related to Executive Branch Nominees
Issues pertaining to railroad competition and consolidation
Issues related to steel rail
S. 323, PLAN for Broadband Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.971,RAILAct, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.341, Railroad Responsibility Act of 2025, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.1200, FreightRAILCAR Act of 2025, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.853, Assistance for Local Heroes During Train Crises Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 3898, Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.2569, Train Noise and Vibrations Reduction Act of 2025, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 4092, Protect RAIL Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.5135, Train Crew Choice Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.5286, Humane Transport of Farmed Animals Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.4924, Rails to Trails Landowner Rights Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.4790, All Aboard Act of 2025, All matters pertaining to the railroad
S.2520, All Aboard Act of 2025, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.4756, Freights First Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.4095, Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act of 2025, All matters pertaining to the railroad
S.3268, Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.6046, Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.6064, Protecting Homes from Trains Act of 2025, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.5783, State Actions For Employing Transportation Risk Assessments and Crossing Knowledge Strategies Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
Draft of Rail and Highway Transmission Planning Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 8012, HOWIE Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
S. 3987, Secure Tracks Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 928, Railway Safety Act of 2025, All matters pertaining to the railroad
S. 3903, Railway Safety Act of 2026, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 7662, Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2026, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 7358, SaferRailCrossing Act of 2026, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 7011, To require the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration to submit to Congress a report on the rate and causes of rail tank car pressure relief device failures, and for other purposes, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 7405, Railand Highway Transmission Planning Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Transportation - Dept of (DOT), Federal Railroad Administration, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), Surface Transportation Board (STB), Homeland Security - Dept of (DHS), White House Office
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Michael |
Smythers |
Jr. |
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Justin |
Wormmeester |
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Gael |
Sullivan |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code TRA
16. Specific lobbying issues
Issues pertaining to transportation infrastructure-related grant programs.
Issues pertaining to the transportation of energy commodities.
Issues pertaining to federal truck size and weight limits.
Issues pertaining to surface transportation funding.
Issues pertaining to transportation automation.
Issues pertaining to right of way and unmanned aircraft systems.
Issues pertaining to the intermodal freight supply chain.
Issues pertaining to alternative transportation fuels.
H.R.3505, Barriers to Suicide Act of 2025, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.3647, SAFE CROSS Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
S.2104, Reliable Rail Service Act of 2025, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.6348, Transportation Assistance for Olympic and World Cup Cities Act of 2025, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 6531, Bridges Not Bumpers Act of 2025, All matters pertaining to the railroad
S. 1259, Manifest Modernization Act of 2025, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 2653, Manifest Modernization Act of 2025, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 5475, No Tax on Overtime for All Workers Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 4776, SPEED Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 7567, theFarm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, All matters pertaining to the railroad
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Transportation - Dept of (DOT), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Railroad Administration, White House Office
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Michael |
Smythers |
Jr. |
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Justin |
Wormmeester |
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Gael |
Sullivan |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code ENV
16. Specific lobbying issues
Issues pertaining to regulatory improvement.
Issues pertaining to permit reform and Clean Water Act.
Issues pertaining to Clean Air Act and locomotive emissions.
H.R.2218, STOP CARB Act of 2025, All matters pertaining to the railroad
S.1072, STOP CARB Act of 2025, All matters pertaining to the railroad
S. 1779, LOCOMOTIVES Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.3194, LOCOMOTIVES Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Michael |
Smythers |
Jr. |
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Gael |
Sullivan |
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Justin |
Wormmeester |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code TAX
16. Specific lobbying issues
Issues related to traditional tax extenders.
Issues related to the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Tax Credit.
S.187, ALIGN Act, Issues related to bonus depreciation
H.R.574, ALIGN Act, Issues related to bonus depreciation
H.R.3363, To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose a tax on United States-bound circumvented cargo through Canada or Mexico and entering the United States, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 6644, 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Michael |
Smythers |
Jr. |
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Justin |
Wormmeester |
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Gael |
Sullivan |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code BUD
16. Specific lobbying issues
Issues related to various transportation policy and funding.
Issues pertaining to rail cargo theft.
H.R. 4213, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 5342, Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, All matters pertaining to the railroad
S. 2354, Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.4552, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, All matters pertaining to the railroad
S.2465, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 7148, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. All matters pertaining to the railroad.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Michael |
Smythers |
Jr. |
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Gael |
Sullivan |
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Justin |
Wormmeester |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code LBR
16. Specific lobbying issues
Issues pertaining to collective bargaining and the Railway Labor Act.
S. 3867, Holiday Pay Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, White House Office, Transportation - Dept of (DOT)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Michael |
Smythers |
Jr. |
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Justin |
Wormmeester |
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Gael |
Sullivan |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code HOM
16. Specific lobbying issues
S.578, BEST Facilitation Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.1294, BESTFacilitationAct, All matters pertaining to the railroad
Issues pertaining to railroad cargo theft
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, White House Office, Homeland Security - Dept of (DHS)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Michael |
Smythers |
Jr. |
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Justin |
Wormmeester |
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Gael |
Sullivan |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code TRD
16. Specific lobbying issues
Issues related to trade and tariffs
Issues related to Section 301 Trade Investigations
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), White House Office, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Commerce - Dept of (DOC)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Michael |
Smythers |
Jr. |
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Justin |
Wormmeester |
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Gael |
Sullivan |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code LAW
16. Specific lobbying issues
S.679, LEOSA Reform Act, All matters pertaining to railroad
H.R.2243, LEOSA Reform Act, All matters pertaining to railroad
H.R.2853, Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025, All matters pertaining to railroad
S.1404, Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, All matters pertaining to railroad
Issues pertaining to railroad cargo theft
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, White House Office, Justice - Dept of (DOJ), Homeland Security - Dept of (DHS), Transportation - Dept of (DOT)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Michael |
Smythers |
Jr. |
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Justin |
Wormmeester |
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Gael |
Sullivan |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code DEF
16. Specific lobbying issues
S.2296, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, Issues pertaining to rail cargo theft
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
MICHAEL |
SMYTHERS |
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Justin |
Wormmeester |
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Gael |
Sullivan |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
Information Update Page - Complete ONLY where registration information has changed.
20. Client new address
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21. Client new principal place of business (if different than line 20)
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22. New General description of client’s business or activities
LOBBYIST UPDATE
23. Name of each previously reported individual who is no longer expected to act as a lobbyist for the client
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ISSUE UPDATE
24. General lobbying issue that no longer pertains
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AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
25. Add the following affiliated organization(s)
Internet Address:
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Principal Place of Business (city and state or country) |
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26. Name of each previously reported organization that is no longer affiliated with the registrant or client
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
FOREIGN ENTITIES
27. Add the following foreign entities:
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Principal place of business (city and state or country) |
Amount of contribution for lobbying activities | Ownership percentage in client | ||||||||||
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28. Name of each previously reported foreign entity that no longer owns, or controls, or is affiliated with the registrant, client or affiliated organization
| 1 | 3 | 5 |
| 2 | 4 | 6 |
CONVICTIONS DISCLOSURE
29. Have any of the lobbyists listed on this report been convicted in a Federal or State Court of an offense involving bribery,
extortion, embezzlement, an illegal kickback, tax evasion, fraud, a conflict of interest, making a false statement, perjury, or money laundering?
| Lobbyist Name | Description of Offense(s) |