Congressman Vince Fong Demands Transparency on $537 Million High-Speed Rail Settlement

FRESNO, Calif. – Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) is demanding transparency on the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s recent decision to approve a $537.3 million change order – the largest in the project’s history – with Dragados Flatiron Joint Venture, the contractor for the 65‑mile segment through Fresno, Tulare, and Kings Counties.

According to the Authority’s Central Valley Status Report, the contractor has already received 597 change orders on this and other segments, totaling over $2.3 billion as of November 2025. This ongoing pattern of contract modifications raises questions about fiscal oversight, project management, and the proper use of federal taxpayer funds on a project that is both significantly delayed and over budget.

“Taxpayers deserve full transparency and accountability,” said Congressman Fong (CA-20).“The high-speed rail nightmare is a glaring example of structural mismanagement. Reckless, repeated contract amendments have squandered resources and precious tax dollars. Hardworking California taxpayers cannot afford to let this continue. This project should be canceled before even more money and time are wasted.”

In a letter, Congressman Fong requested detailed answers from the Authority by March 13, 2026, including:

                •             Whether federal funds were involved in the $537.3 million settlement and, if so, the amount.

                •             Steps taken to notify or consult federal oversight agencies, including the Federal Railroad Administration.

                •             Historical use of federal funds for prior change orders and associated costs.

                •             Any federal compliance reviews or audits conducted regarding the settlement.

                •             Internal controls or reforms implemented to prevent settlements of this magnitude in federally funded projects.

Congressman Fong has continually emphasized that Californians deserve accountability for how their tax dollars are being spent. Last year, he applauded Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy for pulling federal funding on this failed project. 

Read Congressman Fong’s full letter here and below:

Dear Mr. Choudri:

I am alarmed about news reports of the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s (Authority) recent decision to settle litigation with Dragados Flatiron Joint Venture, the contractor for the 65‑mile design-build segment through Fresno, Tulare, and Kings Counties, resulting in a $537.3 million change order, the largest in the Authority’s history.

According to the Authority’s Central Valley Status Report, this contractor has previously been issued 597 change orders on this and other segments of the project, with total modifications exceeding $2.3 billion as of November 2025.  This pattern of repeated contract amendments raises serious concern about the Authority’s fiscal discipline and project management practices, including the use of federal taxpayer funds that have contributed to this significantly delayed and over-budget project.

To ensure accountability for taxpayers, I respectfully request a detailed response addressing the following questions:

                •             Were any federal funds included, directly or indirectly, in this change order with Dragados Flatiron Joint Venture, and if so, what portion of the $537.3 million do federal funds comprise?

                •             What steps did the Authority take to notify or obtain guidance from federal oversight agencies (including the Federal Railroad Administration) prior to approving this settlement?

                •             Have any federal funds been used to cover the cost of change orders, and if so, how many change orders involved federal funding, and what total additional costs were covered with federal funds?

                •             Were any federal compliance reviews or audits conducted to evaluate the necessity or propriety of this settlement? If so, please describe each such review or audit.

                •             What internal controls or reforms specific to federally funded projects have been implemented to prevent settlements of this magnitude in the future?

 Please send a written response to these questions no later than March 13, 2026.  Taxpayers deserve full transparency and accountability regarding how their funds are being managed and why repeated contract modifications continue to escalate costs on this project.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.

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