Senator Cortese Reacts to Update on Federal High-Speed Rail Funding

SACRAMENTO – The following statement was issued by Senate Transportation Chair Senator Dave Cortese (D-Silicon Valley) on August 7, 2025, regarding the status of $4 billion in federal high-speed rail funding:

“I’m encouraged that the California High-Speed Rail Authority has reached an agreement with the Federal Railroad Administration to prevent $4 billion in federal high-speed rail funding from being lost while litigation is pending.

These funds were terminated under the Trump Administration following a compliance review, despite no findings of fraud, waste, or abuse. The Authority promptly challenged that decision in court, and this agreement ensures that the funding will remain available until the legal process is resolved.

As Chair of the California Senate Transportation Committee, I will continue to defend our progress on high-speed rail, and efforts like my bill SB 545 will help secure opportunities for major residential and commercial development along the high-speed rail corridor, creating the kind of public-private synergy that can help fund the infrastructure of the project itself and deliver long-overdue economic benefits to communities across the state”