California High-Speed Rail Faces Funding Challenges as Costs Soar

Governor Newsom and federal lawmakers clash over the project's future as Republicans push to terminate federal funding.

California's high-speed rail project, initially budgeted at $33 billion, is now projected to cost up to $128 billion, raising concerns about financial feasibility.
Representative Kevin Kiley (R-CA) has introduced a bill to halt federal funding for the rail project, citing escalating costs and delays as evidence of mismanagement.
Governor Gavin Newsom faces pressure to secure $6.5 billion in additional funding to complete the Central Valley segment between Bakersfield and Merced by 2033.
The project has received $3.1 billion from the Biden administration's infrastructure law, but future federal support is uncertain with Donald Trump's return to the presidency.
Critics argue that funds should be redirected to road improvements and other infrastructure, while proponents emphasize the project's role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and alleviating traffic congestion.