Newsom may veto bill giving California high-speed rail watchdog more power, sources say
Summary
California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, is considering vetoing a bill that would give more power to the independent watchdog overseeing the state’s high-speed rail project. The watchdog says he needs these powers to properly check on the project, which has faced cost increases and delays for more than ten years.Key Facts
- California is building the nation’s first bullet train, but the project is over budget and behind schedule.
- An independent inspector general was created in 2023 to monitor the rail project and look for problems like fraud or contract issues.
- The inspector general, Ben Belnap, says he lacks the authority to fully do his job.
- Assembly Bill 1608 would give the inspector general more power, such as control over spending and job roles.
- Governor Newsom has already approved a controversial part of the bill quietly that allows withholding some reports for security or legal reasons.
- Newsom’s office is now reportedly planning to veto the rest of the bill giving the inspector general added powers.
- The bill has bipartisan support and passed several legislative committees.
- The governor’s office declined to comment specifically on the veto threat and said it doesn’t usually discuss pending bills.
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