[Page H173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HIGH-SPEED RAIL PROJECT HAS BEEN A SYMBOL OF FISCAL MISMANAGEMENT

  (Mr. LaMALFA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LaMALFA. Mr. Speaker, Governor Gavin Newsom's High-Speed Rail 
project has been a symbol of fiscal mismanagement, and now the 
Department of Government Efficiency here in D.C., known as DOGE, is 
stepping in to examine the situation, as well.
  Originally projected to cost $33 billion back in 2008, the price tag 
has now ballooned closer to $130 billion.
  Despite an initial completion date for 2020, now it is, at best, by 
about 2030, maybe even 2035. Zero passengers have ridden on it because 
it is not possible yet.
  This boondoggle has already consumed $6.8 billion in Federal funds of 
all U.S. taxpayers. Now they are asking for $8 billion more, which is 
way short of $130 billion.
  DOGE's analysis paints a grim picture of a project spiraling out of 
control with no end in sight.
  Governor Newsom keeps funneling California tax dollars into this 
never-ending pit, ignoring needs like critical water infrastructure 
which could be helping all of our State, including southern California, 
if we could raise Shasta Dam and gain 600,000 new acre-feet.
  We would have the ability to not be short-funded on the brush removal 
that needs to be happening in southern California, as well as the 
forestry management all over California. Instead of empty-handed 
promises by Governor Newsom, we need to have President Trump leading 
the way.

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