To prohibit the use of Federal financial assistance for a certain high-speed rail development project in the State of California, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 213
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-01-07: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
- Last Updated
- 2025-02-12T09:00:44Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill aims to block federal funding for a specific high-speed rail project in California, targeting the ongoing development of a rail corridor intended for high-speed travel.
Key Provisions
- Prohibition on Federal Funding: No federal financial assistance (such as grants or loans) can be provided to the State of California for any high-speed rail corridor development project that matches or closely resembles the one covered by Cooperative Agreement No. FR-HSR-0118-12-01-01.
- Scope: The restriction applies specifically to projects involving the California High-Speed Rail Authority and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), a federal agency overseeing rail safety and development.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill introduces a targeted ban on federal support for this particular project, overriding prior agreements like the 2012 cooperative agreement mentioned.
- It does not broadly alter federal rail funding laws (e.g., those under the Federal Railroad Administration's programs) but creates an exception by prohibiting assistance for this California initiative, potentially amending broader transportation funding statutes like the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Federal Railroad Administration and other federal transportation entities would be restricted from allocating funds, possibly requiring them to redirect resources to other rail projects nationwide.
- On Citizens: California residents, especially those in areas along the proposed rail route, may face delays or cancellation of the project, affecting potential benefits like reduced travel times and economic growth from rail infrastructure. It could also influence state budgets, as California might need to cover costs previously eligible for federal aid.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as this is a domestic transportation issue.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- California High-Speed Rail Authority: Directly impacted, as it relies on federal funding for project advancement.
- State of California and Its Residents: The state government and taxpayers could bear increased financial burdens or lose infrastructure benefits.
- Federal Government: Agencies like the FRA and Congress, which oversee national transportation policy and funding.
- Rail Industry and Commuters: Broader stakeholders including construction firms, unions, and users of intercity rail services who might see ripple effects on project timelines.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill enforces a narrow prohibition, but enforcement could lead to disputes over what constitutes a "substantially similar" project, potentially requiring court clarification under administrative law.
- Constitutional: Raises questions about Congress's spending power (Article I, Section 8), as it conditions or withholds federal funds from a state project without broader justification, which might invite challenges under the Tenth Amendment (states' rights).
- Political: Introduced by a California representative, it reflects partisan debates over high-speed rail costs and viability, potentially signaling federal scrutiny of large-scale state infrastructure projects amid fiscal concerns.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-01-07: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
- 2025-01-06: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-01-06: Introduced in House
- 2025-01-06: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To prohibit the use of Federal financial assistance for a certain high-speed rail development project in the State of California, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-01-06 — PDF (2 pages)