2026 DC Workshops + Days on the Hill

DC ADVOCACY WORKSHOPS REGISTRATION

Registration is $125.00

Due to the space limitations of our office, each of the sessions is limited to 20 tickets and there will be no on-site or virtual registration. Please attend the session for the state you reside in. Registration ends at Midnight eastern on Friday, April 10th.

NOTE: THE NORTHEAST/SOUTH AND MIDWEST/MID-ATLANTIC WORKSHOPS ARE NOW FULL.

The in-office workshops will run from 8:00a to 4:00p. Lunch will be provided (attendees are responsible for their own breakfast). Attendees will be responsible for securing their own lodging needs.

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Legislative & Day on the Hill Resources

• 2026 Legislative Resources
• 2026 Rail Passenger Day on the Hill Resources

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Workshop Agenda

Amtrak National and Regional Update on Project Delivery and Operations

• Joe Barr – Sr. Director, State Partnerships and Development
• Todd Stennis – Director, Government Affairs - South
• Marty Sandoval – Director, Government Affairs - Midwest
• Alex Khalfin - Director, Government Affairs - West

Amtrak regional leaders will provide an overview of the progress they’ve made on IIJA-funded projects, updates to their equipment procurement efforts, and discuss how they’re working with regional and State partners to expand service.

How Rail Labor is Helping Grow the Industry

• Alex Beckmann, Legislative Director, Teamsters Rail Division
• Lucy Shaw, Legislative Representative, Transportation Trades Department - AFL-CIO

Hear from two of the leading labor organizations in the country about their legislative goals for 2026, what they hope to see in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization, and how they’re working with other stakeholder groups to build a stronger rail industry in the U.S.

The Economic Impact of Supplying US Rail

Matt Delaney, Director, Government & Public Affairs, Rail Supply Institute

RSI will discuss their 2026 report calculating the impact of the U.S. rail supply industry to the U.S. economy. We’ll look at how RSI calculated these benefits, how it breaks down by state, and how advocates can use this data to secure public investment for rail.

Legislative and Policy Updates

• Budget Briefing: we’ll go over our budgetary and policy “ask” for 2026, provide updates on the FY2027 appropriations process, and discuss the latest intel on the Trump Administration’s plans for IIJA rail funds.
• Surface Transportation Reauthorization Overview: with a little over five months until the expiration of the IIJA, time is running short to introduce and pass the next surface transportation bill. We’ll help you understand the process this legislation must navigate to be enacted, and drill down on the short-list of priorities we’re advocating for.
• Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Merger Proposal: hear from Rail Passengers staff about how we’re engaging with the Surface Transportation Board’s review of Union Pacific’s proposed merger with Norfolk Southern, including engagement with industry stakeholders and analysis of the impact this merger would have on America’s train passengers.
• Day on the Hill Preparation: prepare for the next day’s Hill meetings by going over meeting materials, practice delivering our best arguments for better passenger rail, prepare for frequently heard criticism of federal rail programs and spending, and field any questions you may have.