Blue state lawmaker demands FBI investigate bullet train ‘boondoggle’

Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif., is calling on the FBI to investigate California’s high-speed rail project, which is currently under scrutiny by the Department of Transportation for compliance issues. Kiley expressed concerns over the lack of progress on the project, which has not seen any rail construction since it began 17 years ago. The estimated cost of the project has also raised red flags, with projections indicating it could exceed $100 billion above initial estimates.

In a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, Kiley questioned how over $13 billion could have been spent on the project without a single station opening. He raised concerns about potential malfeasance and called for a thorough investigation to determine where the funds have gone and who may have benefited from them.

The FBI has not commented on the request, but Kiley believes that the agency has the authority and responsibility to investigate the matter. He specifically highlighted the Public Integrity Division as being well-suited to uncover any corruption, recover stolen funds, and restore public confidence in the stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

In response to Kiley’s request, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) stated that they welcome the investigation and are confident that every dollar spent on the project has been accounted for. They emphasized the progress made on the project, including the construction of 50 structures, the creation of 14,600 jobs, and 171 miles of rail under construction.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has also criticized the high-speed rail project, describing it as massively over-budget and delayed. He has directed his staff to review the CHSRA’s compliance with funding commitments and indicated that federal funding could be redirected to other infrastructure projects if necessary.

Despite the challenges facing the high-speed rail project, California leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom, continue to support its construction. However, concerns about spending and construction practices have led to frustration among taxpayers and calls for a thorough investigation.

As the FBI considers Rep. Kiley’s request for an investigation, the future of California’s high-speed rail project remains uncertain. The outcome of the FBI’s inquiry could have far-reaching implications for the project and for the use of federal funding for infrastructure projects in the state.