House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has initiated an investigation into the federal funding provided to the California High-Speed Rail Authority. The inquiry seeks to determine whether the Authority misrepresented ridership projections and the financial outlook of the California High-Speed Rail Project in order to obtain federal and state funds.
In a letter addressed to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Chairman Comer requested a staff-level briefing, as well as documents and communications related to the project. “The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is investigating federal funding sent to the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA or Authority). As part of our investigation, we are seeking to understand whether the Authority knowingly misrepresented the ridership projections and the associated financial viability of the California High-Speed Rail Project (CHSR Project) to secure federal and state funds,” wrote Chairman Comer. “The Committee requests a staff-level briefing, documents, and communications related to CHSRA.”
California voters approved nearly $10 billion in state bonds in 2008 for an 800-mile high-speed rail network intended to connect major cities by 2020 at an estimated cost of $33 billion. However, no route has been completed so far, while current cost estimates have risen significantly—now ranging from $89 billion up to $128 billion. Despite these setbacks, about $4 billion in federal taxpayer dollars were committed by the Biden Administration for this project, including almost $89.65 million allocated during its final days.
In June 2025, a Compliance Review Report from the Federal Railroad Administration highlighted mismanagement by CHSRA and noted wasteful spending of federal funds. Following this review, Secretary Duffy announced that roughly $4 billion in unspent federal funding for California’s high-speed rail was terminated.
Chairman Comer stated: “The Authority’s apparent repeated use of misleading ridership projections, despite longstanding warnings from experts, raises serious questions about whether funds were allocated under false pretenses. The massive cost overruns and lack of progress warrant a reassessment of whether CHSRA acted with transparency and complied with the law.”
James Comer currently serves as a member of Congress representing Kentucky’s 1st district since replacing Ed Whitfield in 2016 (https://comer.house.gov/about). He previously served in Kentucky’s House of Representatives from 2001 until 2012 (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/C001108). Born in Carthage, Tennessee in 1972, Comer now lives in Tompkinsville at age 50. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Kentucky University in 1993.
A copy of Chairman Comer’s letter to DOT Secretary Duffy is available online.
