|
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)
| City |
|
State |
|
Zip Code |
|
Country |
|
|
5. Senate ID# 7441-12
|
||||||||
|
6. House ID# 315830000
|
||||||||
| TYPE OF REPORT | 8. Year | 2024 |
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 |
|
11. No Lobbying Issue Activity |
| INCOME OR EXPENSES - YOU MUST complete either Line 12 or Line 13 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12. Lobbying | 13. Organizations | ||||||||
| INCOME relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period was: | EXPENSE relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period were: | ||||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
| 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. | ||||||||
|
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 |
|||||||||
| Signature | Digitally Signed By: MICHAEL R. SMYTHERS, JR. |
Date | 1/20/2025 12:15:03 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.
S. 576, Railway Safety Act of 2023, All matters pertaining to the railroad
S. 1044, Railway Accountability Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 1674, Railway Safety Act of 2023, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 1633, Reducing Accidents in Locomotives (RAIL) Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 1347, D-BLOC Act, To amend title 49, United States Code, to limitrailroad carriers from blocking railway-highway crossings, and for other purposes, All matters pertaining to the railroad
S. 844, Assistance for Local Heroes During Train Crises Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.1238, Decreasing EmergencyRailroadAccident Instances Locally Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.3935, Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, Issues related to right of way/drones
S. 2071, Reliable Rail Service Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 5871, Rail Worker and Community Safety Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 7600, American High-Speed Rail Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 7348, Connect the Grid Act of 2024, All matters pertaining to the railroad
S. 3855, Connect the Grid Act of 2024, All matters pertaining to the railroad
S.4954, Rail Bridge Safety and Transparency Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.9074, Safe Freight Act of 2024, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.8996, Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2024, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 8610, Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, Issues related to drones
S.5008, A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the railroad track maintenance credit, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.9522, To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the railroad track maintenance credit, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.5009, To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2025 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes, Issues related to drones
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)
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. |
|
|
Justin |
Wormmeester |
|
|
|
Gael |
Sullivan |
|
|
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. 471, SHIP IT Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
S. 1939, FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, All matters pertaining to the railroad
S. 1818, Safe Routes Act of 2023, Issues related to trucking and modal equity
S. 3796, Keeping International Land Ports of Entry Open Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 5840, Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.7496, MOVE Act, Issues related to trucking and modal equity
H.R.8467, Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, All matters pertaining to the railroad
S.4492, Amtrak Transparency Act, and for other purposes, Issues pertaining to Passenger Rail
H.R. 8692, The Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act, Issues pertaining to Passenger Rail
H.R. 8689, Amtrak Executive Bonus Disclosure Act, Issues pertaining to Passenger Rail
S.5285, Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act of 2024, All matters pertaining to the railroad
S.3959, Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act of 2024, 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), Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Federal Railroad Administration
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. |
|
|
Justin |
Wormmeester |
|
|
|
Gael |
Sullivan |
|
|
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.
S.4367, Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024, 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. |
|
|
Gael |
Sullivan |
|
|
|
Justin |
Wormmeester |
|
|
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 ENG
16. Specific lobbying issues
H.R. 1, Lower Energy Costs Act, Issues pertaining to permitting
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 |
Justin |
Wormmeester |
|
|
|
Gael |
Sullivan |
|
|
|
Michael |
Smythers |
Jr. |
|
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.
H.R. 838, Freight RAILCAR Act of 2023, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 883, Stop the Wait Act of 2023, Issues related to railroad disability - permanent/occupational
H.R. 3135, LPOE Modernization Trust Fund Act, Issues related to establishing trust fund for Land Ports of Entry in the U.S.
H.R. 3938, Build it in America Act, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 2406, ALIGN Act, Issues related to bonus depreciation
H.R. 5863, Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R. 7024, Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, Issues related to tax extenders
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. |
|
|
Justin |
Wormmeester |
|
|
|
Gael |
Sullivan |
|
|
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.9028, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025, Issues pertaining to rail cargo theft
H.R.9026, Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.8752, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2025, Issues pertaining to rail cargo theft
S.4796, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025, Issues pertaining to rail cargo theft
S.4795, Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025, All matters pertaining to the railroad
H.R.10545, American Relief Act, 2025, 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. |
|
|
Gael |
Sullivan |
|
|
|
Justin |
Wormmeester |
|
|
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.
H.R.3255, Freight Rail Workforce Health and Safety Act, Issues related to sick leave
S. 1664, Healthy Families Act, Issues related to sick leave
H.R. 2785, REEF Act, Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness Act, Issues related to sick leave
S. 1274, REEF Act, Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness Act, Issues related to sick leave
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. |
|
|
Justin |
Wormmeester |
|
|
|
Gael |
Sullivan |
|
|
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
H.R. 8834, Safeguarding Our Supply Chains Act, Issues pertaining to rail cargo theft
S.1462, LEOSA Reform Act, Issues related to railroad police
H.R.8204, Regulatory Early Notice and Engagement Act of 2024, 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. |
|
|
Justin |
Wormmeester |
|
|
|
Gael |
Sullivan |
|
|
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
| Address |
|
||||||
| City |
|
State |
|
Zip Code |
|
Country |
|
21. Client new principal place of business (if different than line 20)
| City |
|
State |
|
Zip Code |
|
Country |
|
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
|
|
||||||||
| 1 |
|
3 |
|
||||||
| 2 |
|
4 |
|
ISSUE UPDATE
24. General lobbying issue that no longer pertains
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
25. Add the following affiliated organization(s)
Internet Address:
| Name | Address |
Principal Place of Business (city and state or country) |
||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
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:
| Name | Address |
Principal place of business (city and state or country) |
Amount of contribution for lobbying activities | Ownership percentage in client | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
|
% | |||||||||||||
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) |