California Congressmen Work to Slow Down High Speed Rail
November 24, 2011 at 12:47 am in Accountability, Brian P. Bilbray, Darrell Issa, Duncan D. Hunter, GAN, House, Howard P. McKeon, Jeff Denham, John B.T. Campbell III, Kevin McCarthy, News, Tom McClintock, Walter Herger Jr. by Greyson Peltier 12 Comments
High Speed Rail projects have been on the radars of many states and the federal government. The State of California is no exception with $3.6 billion set aside for its high speed rail projects. Proponents want to add this public transportation option in order to increase use and reduce air pollution. Opponents argue that the costs are too high and there is much uncertainty as to how many people will ride the new trains. Most complete high speed rail projects are overseas in China and France and some complain that the US is too far behind. However, at a time where tax revenues are decreasing and the government is operating on a deficit, others believe that these projects need to be reevaluated to ensure that the benefits outweigh the costs.
Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA22) and his cosponsors Reps. Brian Bilbray [R-CA50], Jeff Denham [R-CA19], Walter Herger [R-CA2], Duncan Hunter [R-CA52], Darrell Issa [R-CA49], Tom McClintock [R-CA4], Howard McKeon [R-CA25] and John Campbell [R-CA48] want the high speed rail project in California put on hold for further review and audits. They have introduced HR 3143, which would require a Government Accountability Office analysis of the project, as well as reviews of ridership estimates, estimated ticket prices and other projections prior to the project starting. The bill would pull back $2.9 billion in obligated federal funding as well as $715 million in unobligated federal funding. “Responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars is always important, and now more than ever,” Rep. McCarthy said. “We cannot afford to throw money we don’t have at a project most don’t have confidence in. That’s why I introduced this legislation, so we can take a step back and figure out what high-speed rail really means for taxpayers.”
Cosponsor John Campbell agrees with his assertions. “With all the current examples of taxpayer money being squandered on politically correct projects that have little chance of success, we should absolutely not be wasting even more money on a very expensive high-speed train from nowhere to nowhere,” said Congressman Campbell.
Tea Party Patriots local coordinator Cathy Richardson believes in the content of the legislation, but questions why Rep. John Campbell did not act sooner on the legislation and whether or not it can make it past committee. “Congressman Campbell does as he pleases and sees fit. Did he take the time to talk to his constituents on this subject matter? He has not had a town hall with his constituents for over 3+ years which is a shame. Also, it would have been nice for the Congressmen to vocally support the CA state legislators much earlier who have been trying for some time to derail the high speed rail. What are the chances this legislation will get out of committee and be voted for in time? How hard has he worked on this bill? Is it all for show?” says Richardson.
The bill was assigned to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on October 7th.
I would like, once again, to thank my representative, Kevin McCarthy, and staff, for coming up with groundbreaking legislation for California.
I hope they can pass this legislation and get the Senate to vote for it too. What do you think? Any chances of that?
Don’t really know. It’s still in committee with no reports of much work being done on it. Because of the Republican majority in the House, it should go through easily there. In terms of the Senate, it is a Democrat majority so I’m not betting on this one being made law.
support Bachmann for president. Newt is from the insider good ol boys club, Romney cant be trusted.
I cannot really believe that, even the whackos that are running California could wish to continue with a project that has a required budjet of several times what it was when the funding was first approved by the voters. I am also doubtfull that the U.S. Government will agree to pay the system $100.00 for every ticket sold, just to cover the basic costs estimated at this time. I would not doubt that this $100.00 will eventually double or tripple soon. How can these bozos, and the morons who keep electing them, not see the stupidity of spending almost $100B on yet another program that will only benefit a few, but will bankrupt us all!
I want to help when we get the republican nominee to defeat Obama and his agenda
I am trying to contact all tea party patriot groups asking for support with the Newt Gingrich campaign. I’ve spent 100′s of hours researching all candidates, all background, voting records, volunteering, etc., and have found the only true consistent conservative is Newt. The information from the media is false and can be easily disputed which I request everyone do prove to themselves. But the most important factor is: The insiders/the elites/the establishment despise him and are working overtime to see that enough lies are spread to hurt his campaign. If for no other reason – this fact standing alone should be enough for us to back Newt. They know their cushy positions are at risk and that they’ll be kicked out of DC – and that is what we want Patriots – we want the house cleaned and not one – not one – of the other candidates is capable of accomplishing this overwhelming task. Log onto http://www.newt.org and get into the different groups to learn about the people that are supporting him, and why. We even have a TeaParty Group for Newt!! Thank you for not just listening to the slander and media, but for doing the time consuming job of searching out the truth – I’m glad I did!
C. Marie, Tea Party Patriots is a 501c4 Non-Profit Organization and as such we are not permitted to endorse candidates or refer our members to volunteer for candidates.
Assemblywoman Diane Harkey is introducing legislation to defund high speed rail. It costs $700,000 PER DAY for staff and consultants..
I typed my comment above.
What do Tea Party members do when real Americans are celebrating national holidays like Independence Day?
“Obamination” OKA Obama HAS TO GO… just about anybody with common sense will do a better job.
enough of lies empty promises and paddfing your buddies pockets… stop the insane printing money machine, control and invasion in our life….
if you can walk go to your neighbors doors and introduce yourself and pass on the message of hope for the future of all our lifes and for our great Nation.
Romney and Ryan is the team we need NOW
(p.s. Russia does not have an illegal problem… is it because there system is not so attractive??)