Hundreds of railroad industry professionals will gather in Washington, D.C. on May 17, 2023, for Railroad Day on Capitol Hill, an annual lobbying event for the freight rail industry. It is the first time in-person meetings will be held on the Hill between railroad industry stakeholders and Members of Congress and their staff since 2020.

The NRC works together with the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) to schedule and coordinate appointments between railroad stakeholders and House and Senate leaders and Hill offices representing states and districts across the country. NRC encourages member contractors and suppliers to register now at this link on the ASLRRA website:  http://bit.ly/3KHlwHH

Registrants will be asked to create an ASLRRA user account as a non-member and will be given three registration options:  

1. Hill appointments only: $50
2. Hill appointments and reception: $200. The reception for Members of Congress, their staff members, and Railroad Day attendees will be held from 5 to 7 pm in the Rayburn House Office Building.
3. Reception only: $150

There is no event hotel designated this year. Participants should make reservations at the hotel of choice as soon as possible since this is a busy time of year in Washington.  

Matt Ginsberg, president of the NRC’s government affairs firm in Washington, TGA Association Management Solutions, noted the large turnover in Congress and the need to generate greater awareness about freight railroads. “We’ve seen a significant turnover in key committee leadership and composition and almost 150 new Members of Congress since we were last on the Hill. We cannot assume Members of Congress and their staff understand the freight rail industry and its impact on the U.S. economy and in their districts in particular.”

Ginsberg suggested contractors and suppliers have an important story to share about their work in the industry as well as their innovations that propel safety and productivity improvements. “Railroad Day on the Hill and grassroots events are tremendous opportunities to build relationships with your elected officials, their staff members and with other leaders in our industry. Those relationships will serve your organization well and will cumulatively benefit the freight rail industry.”

The NRC is a U.S. trade association that advances the mutual interests of railway contractors and suppliers who construct, maintain and supply freight railroads and rail-transit and passenger lines. Founded in 1978, the NRC connects members with other railway industry professionals and government officials and policymakers. The NRC collaborates with its members, government, and industry leaders to create a positive business climate and to make railway construction and maintenance safer and more efficient.