HR 8926 - American High Speed Rail Act

https://moulton.house.gov/press-release ... d-rail-act

WASHINGTON– Today, Representative Seth Moulton (MA-06) introduced the American High-Speed Rail Act, which would invest $205 billion federal dollars into high-speed rail, create at least 2.6 million direct American jobs over five years, and provide Americans with a new travel option that’s safer than driving, cleaner than flying and never delayed by weather. Representatives Brendan Boyle (PA-02) and Suzan DelBene (WA-01) joined Moulton as original sponsors of the bill.

Apologies if this was posted elsewhere. I couldn't find any other references to it. It's probably DOA without a (D) majority in the Senate, but it's an interesting development nevertheless.

"Hello, China? I know we've been saying a lot of mean, nasty things about you, but could you kindly buy up a few billion dollars in bonds? Thanks in advance!"

That $205 billion is divided into $41 billion over 5 years, for higher speed and true high speed rail projects. The NEC could qualify under both, depending on where the funds are spent.
In 5 years, how many projects could be ready for construction? Answer; CHSR, Texas Central, two Brightline projects, and the NEC and its’ potential extensions (south of DC).

The bill also includes changes to environmental safeguards and train controls systems, supposedly to make construction cheaper and faster. Do you really believe there will not be courts cases tying up these new regulations in court for years?

Amtrak and several transit agencies are still spending money from the last economic recovery program. How much of this new funding will actually be spent on building new projects vs maintaining the status quo and thousands of transit jobs?

What I see are pigs lining up to feed from the public trough. Oink!

This bill is just a feel good exercise. All bills not signed into law expire at the end of this congressional session . The full introduction and assignment to committee(s) has to start over Jan1.

No way it was ever going to pass under this congress anyway. Putting it out now allows other members to be informed of its existence, and a chance to suggest changes before it's real introduction under a Biden administration and possible split congress (Georgia pending). No point in voting on it until after inauguration day anyway when there is someone in the White House who would even consider signing it.