Five Los Angeles-area members of Congress urged the Trump administration Wednesday to immediately speed up $2 billion in federal transportation funding. Lawmakers say the money is critical to ensuring athletes, officials, and fans can navigate Southern California during the 2028 Olympic Games.
The call for funds took place at an informal hearing in West Hollywood hosted by House members. During the session, local transportation officials explained that the $2 billion is required to deploy 1,700 extra buses and to establish high-speed lanes on local streets and freeways throughout the Summer Games.
“We are certainly insisting that the federal government provide the resources that Los Angeles needs to make these Games a success,” said Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Glendale). “We know we need $2 billion to give the seamless, wonderful experience that everybody expects when they come for these Games. And so far, the federal government [has not] released anything really.”
Demands for Financial Transparency at LA28
City Controller Kenneth Mejia. Mejia called on LA28, the private nonprofit overseeing the Games, to release much more detailed reports regarding its finances.
According to a news release issued by Mejia, LA28 has fully complied with only two of nine requirements outlined in a contract known as the Games Agreement. Missing documentation includes venue budgets and schedules, bank statements, the identity of contractors, the dollar value and purpose of contracts, and comparisons of revenue sources—such as ticket sales and sponsorship deals—against financial projections.
Mejia cautioned that the city was ill-advised to agree to act as a financial backstop if the Games run a deficit. Although Olympic officials maintain that a deficit will not occur, Mejia stated that he requires concrete documentation rather than mere promises.
“We all want a successful 2028 Olympic Games,” Mejia said in a statement, “but its success cannot be at the cost of transparency and accountability to L.A. taxpayers.” Representatives for LA28 declined to comment on the controller’s statement.
Federal Funding Stalemate and Security Stances
The West Hollywood hearing held by the five Democratic lawmakers represents the latest attempt by local officials to secure financial backing from President Trump and congressional Republicans. Despite omnibus legislation passed last year that promised $1 billion in security funding for the 2028 Games, none of that money has reached Los Angeles.
A White House official rejected assertions that the administration is failing to support the event. “The White House has been proactively working and meeting with local LA Officials, Members of Congress, and the Organizing Committee at the highest levels to discuss these issues,” the official said. The official added that while talks remain in the early stages, the administration is actively working to secure necessary resources to ensure the event is the greatest Olympics in history.
Conversely, LA28 has maintained a less confrontational approach toward Washington. “The president and the administration have been supportive of LA28 every step of the way,” stated Marisa McGrath Liston, the group’s top spokesperson. “We look forward to our continued partnership as we look to welcome athletes and visitors to the greatest city in the world.”
Did You Know? To highlight their appeal for federal resources, lawmakers displayed a board showing that past host cities received substantial federal support, including $1.82 billion for Atlanta’s 1996 Summer Olympics and $2.61 billion for Salt Lake City’s 2002 Winter Olympics.
Transit Agency Warnings and World Cup Lessons
Officials at L.A. Metro, which operates the region’s major bus and rail lines, previously reported to their oversight board that neither Washington nor Sacramento has delivered necessary transportation funds. L.A. Metro requires the money to secure 1,700 additional buses—augmenting the 2,100 already in operation—and to begin construction on priority road and freeway lanes.
Metro officials criticized the Republican-controlled House for delaying an initial $875-million outlay for 2028 Olympic transit. Furthermore, the California state budget passed this summer omitted an additional $379 million requested by L.A.
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles) noted that this summer’s World Cup soccer matches demonstrated the city’s ability to host world-class events. However, she emphasized that the federal government bears responsibility, pointing out that she and over three dozen elected officials previously wrote to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy demanding action.
“I have to reiterate Los Angeles may be the physical host of the Olympics, but it is the United States of America that is in fact hosting this Olympics,” Kamlager-Dove said. “We shouldn’t have to wait this dang long waiting for this money that we deserve.”
Metro, reported that transit ridership increased by 4.4 million during June and July compared to the same months in 2025, with over 70% of surveyed riders rating their experience as very satisfied. However, lawmakers like Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) raised concerns that large security perimeters could force long walks from bus drop-off points to venues like SoFi Stadium.
Community Concerns and Economic Impact
Other members of the congressional panel voiced concerns regarding the local impact of transit and parking plans. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) stated that she is worried local businesses could be displaced and stressed the need for jobs and economic benefits to reach her constituents in the area surrounding SoFi Stadium. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) expressed similar views representing the San Gabriel Valley.
Laura Rubio-Cornejo, general manager of the L.A. city Department of Transportation, warned that a lack of federal assistance could force local municipal operators to absorb the burden, ultimately draining resources from everyday transit services relied upon by Angelenos for work and school.
As discussions continue, analysts expect local officials to maintain pressure on federal lawmakers to release funds ahead of critical operational deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much transportation funding are Los Angeles members of Congress requesting?
Lawmakers are urging the Trump administration to speed up $2 billion in transportation funding for the 2028 Olympic Games.
Metro planning to make with the requested money?
L.A. Metro plans to deploy 1,700 extra buses—augmenting the 2,100 already in the system—and create high-speed lanes on local streets and freeways.
What concerns did L.A. City Controller Kenneth Mejia raise regarding LA28?
Controller Mejia stated that LA28 has fully complied with only two of nine requirements in its Games Agreement contract, noting missing financial documents, venue budgets, and contractor details.
How do local officials plan to address ongoing funding delays with the federal government?
Local officials continue to urge the federal government to release funds, citing the need for timely support to ensure the success of the 2028 Olympic Games.
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