(The Associated Press issued the following on May 22.)
NEW YORK — Canadian National Railway Co. spent $650,000 in the first quarter of the year to lobby the U.S. government on legislation dealing with the railroad industry’s antitrust exemptions and other issues.
The company also lobbied on legislation dealing with the border security, track maintenance and more, according to the form posted online April 18 by the House clerk’s office. The Montreal-based company spent nearly $2.3 million to lobby the federal government in 2007.
Lawmakers are considering legislation _ supported by a coalition of more than 3,500 electric, utility, chemical and manufacturing companies _ that would subject railroads to stiffer antitrust standards.
Besides Congress, the railroad lobbied the Transportation Department and Surface Transportation Board.
Karen Phillips, formerly a staffer for the Senate Finance Committee, was among those lobbying on the railroad’s behalf in the first three months of the year. Top of page