North Austin News

U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul has responded to the Trump administration's decision to terminate federal funding of nearly $64 million for the Amtrak Texas High-Speed Rail Corridor, originally granted under the Biden administration for what was initially proposed as a private project.

In his statement, McCaul emphasized his concern for Texas landowners. He said, “I’m extremely grateful Secretary Duffy has canceled this $64 million grant, which would have imposed an economic injustice on Texas’ landowners — forcing them to subsidize the very project that could strip them of their property. The Texas high-speed rail project has been a disaster from the start, with numerous delays, permitting issues, and ballooning costs. Today’s announcement is a tremendous victory for Texans across my district, who do not need this project and should not be on the hook to fund it. I will continue working with the administration to safeguard taxpayer dollars and protect the land that Texas’ farmers, ranchers, and landowners tirelessly care for and deserve to keep.”

McCaul has been a consistent opponent of the high-speed rail project from its onset. His efforts included sending multiple letters to Biden administration officials and private sector leaders, such as former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, former Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner, and Amit Bose, former administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration. In these communications, McCaul expressed objections to the use of taxpayer money for the project and highlighted concerns regarding property rights for Texans.