Washington, D.C. — On May 7, 2025, the freight rail industry came together for another impactful Railroad Day on Capitol Hill. With over 375 meetings between advocates and members of Congress, the event once again showcased the unified voice of an industry that touches nearly every corner of the U.S. economy. 

Encompassing railroaders from both Class I and short line railroads as well as rail suppliers and local leaders, our coalition delivered a consistent message: support policies that strengthen freight rail’s ability to invest, compete, and serve the public good. 

Key Policy Priorities Delivered to Congress: 

  • Modernize the 45G Short Line Tax Credit – Support H.R. 516 and S. 1532 to adjust the per-mile cap for inflation, include all short line track, and maintain future adjustments. 
  • Oppose Increases to Truck Size and Weight Limits – Preserve the integrity of our infrastructure and ensure a level playing field. 
  • Advance Permitting Reform – Create a more transparent, predictable process for key infrastructure improvements. 
  • Fully Fund Rail Safety Grants – Sustain programs like CRISI, RCE, and Section 130 that make communities safer. 
  • Protect Against Caps on Corporate SALT Deductions – Avoid tax policy that unfairly targets capital-intensive industries like rail. 

These policy goals support a freight rail system that moves 40% of U.S. long-distance freight, eliminates millions of truckloads from highways each year, and invests billions of private dollars into infrastructure—creating cleaner air, safer communities, and stronger economies. 

GoRail’s mission is to tell rail’s public benefits story through local leadership — and this year’s delegation delivered. These individuals bring firsthand knowledge of the positive impact freight rail has on jobs, development, and sustainability in their states and regions: 

  • Chris Cap, Executive Director, PA State Association of Boroughs
  • Randall (RJ) Gibson, Director, Governmental Affairs and Advocacy, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce
  • Benjamin Hart, Executive Director, Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA)
  • Dana Magliola, Senior Director of Infrastructure Competitiveness, NC Chamber of Commerce Foundation
  • Tom Winker, President, Wisconsin Towns Association

By sharing their on-the-ground experiences and emphasizing rail’s community-level impact, these Rail Champions helped drive home the importance of a strong public-private freight rail system. 

Social Impact and Ongoing Advocacy 

The day’s momentum carried beyond D.C., as rail supporters across the country took to social media using #RailDay2025 and #RailChampions to spotlight freight rail’s role in advancing economic development, reducing emissions, and easing congestion. 

But the conversation doesn’t end with one day. Advocates are encouraged to keep the pressure on: 

  • Post your experience using #RailDay2025 and #RailChampions 
  • Follow up with your members of Congress to reinforce key messages 

America’s freight railroads have been driving progress for nearly 200 years. With continued smart policy, they’ll keep doing it for centuries to come. 

Get a glimpse into these meetings from the gallery below.