H.R.213 - To prohibit the use of Federal financial assistance for a certain high-speed rail development project in the State of California, and for other purposes. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 213 aims to prohibit federal financial assistance to California for a specific high-speed rail project, referencing Cooperative Agreement No. FR-HSR-0118-12-01-01. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Kiley of California and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
The bill directly targets a particular high-speed rail project in California, restricting federal funding. This action reflects concerns about the project's viability, cost-effectiveness, or alignment with federal priorities.
The bill's passage would prevent federal dollars from being used for the specified high-speed rail project in California.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R. 213 would halt federal funding for the designated high-speed rail project in California. This could lead to the project's delay, modification, or cancellation, depending on the availability of alternative funding sources.
The immediate effect would be a reassessment of the project's financial plan and potential impacts on related infrastructure and economic development initiatives. California would need to seek alternative funding or scale back the project.
Ultimately, the bill's enactment would reshape transportation planning and infrastructure development in California, potentially impacting future federal-state collaborations on similar projects.
Potential Benefits
- Potential Fiscal Savings: Prevents further federal expenditure on a project deemed potentially unviable or mismanaged.
- Resource Allocation: Allows federal funds to be redirected to other infrastructure projects or priorities nationwide.
- Accountability: Signals congressional oversight and accountability regarding large-scale infrastructure spending.
- Reduced Federal Debt: Limiting spending contributes to reducing the overall federal debt.
- Encourages State Responsibility: Promotes fiscal responsibility at the state level by requiring California to secure its own funding.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Project Delay or Cancellation: Could halt or significantly delay the high-speed rail project, impacting transportation plans.
- Economic Impact: May negatively affect job creation and economic development associated with the rail project.
- Reduced Infrastructure Investment: Limits infrastructure investment in California, potentially affecting long-term growth.
- State-Federal Relations: Could strain relations between the federal government and the State of California.
- Missed Opportunity: Prevents the potential benefits of high-speed rail, such as reduced traffic congestion and environmental benefits.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the constitutional power of Congress to control federal spending under Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. The decision to allocate or withhold federal funds for specific projects falls within this purview.
However, the bill's potential impact on interstate commerce could raise questions under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3), particularly if the high-speed rail project is intended to facilitate interstate travel and trade. The extent of the project's interstate impact would need to be considered.
There are no apparent violations of individual rights or liberties as defined in the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).