Republican California Rep. Kevin Kiley is asking FBI Director Kash Patel to open an investigation into his state's high-speed rail project, which has faced many delays over the years.

The project to connect Los Angeles and San Francisco is already facing an audit by the Department of Transportation, after President Donald Trump called it the "worst managed project that I think I've ever seen." 

Voters in the state voted on the construction project in 2008. But Kiley said Tuesday no rail has been constructed since then. He also questioned where the funds for the project have gone, if its projected to cost an extra $73 billion.

The project was initially supposed to cost $33 billion but the latest estimate is now $106 billion.

"This malfeasance leads to questions that transcend mere incompetence. How is it possible to have spent over $13 billion without a single station opening? Where have these funds gone? Who benefited?" Kiley wrote in a letter to Patel. "Because the project has consumed billions in federal funding, the FBI has both the authority, and I would argue the responsibility, to pursue these questions and deliver answers to the American people."

Following Kiley's request, the California High-Speed Rail Authority defended its spending and challenged his allegation about no rails having been built. 

"CA High-Speed Rail has been audited over 100x, every dollar is accounted for & progress is real - 50 structures built, 14,600 jobs created & 171 miles under construction," the company posted on the social media platfrom X.

California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri told reporters in January that he is still committed to finishing constructing the 494-mile project, which is expected to feature trains traveling up to 220 mph.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.