Rep. Josh Harder, U.S. Congressman representing California’s 9th district since 2019, recently used his social media platform to criticize bureaucratic obstacles in major infrastructure and energy projects, and to advocate for innovation and security in artificial intelligence.
On April 6, 2026, Harder posted: “We just sent four people further into space than we ever had before. That project started in 2017. The California High Speed Rail project started in 2015 and we only have a massive construction mess to show for it. Houston, we have a red tape problem.”
Continuing this theme on April 7, 2026, he wrote: “These shocking stories do more than illustrate how red tape drives rising prices. People lose trust in gov’t when unfindable salamanders are killing energy projects. Grateful for @JoinFAI & others work to call out this insanity – now we need to meet this moment with real change.”
The following day, on April 8, Harder turned his attention to technological advancement and security: “I want to use AI to innovate: cure cancer, speed up science, & build more. But as AI makes cyberattacks easier, we need defensive innovation to protect our grid & critical infrastructure. America’s lead in AI capabilities should be used to cement our security, not undermine it.”
Harder’s remarks reflect ongoing debates about regulatory hurdles affecting large-scale public works such as the California High Speed Rail project—an initiative that began construction in 2015 but has faced delays and cost overruns attributed by critics to complex permitting processes.
He also references environmental regulations impacting energy development; such rules sometimes stall or halt projects due to concerns over endangered species or habitat disruption.
His comments on artificial intelligence come amid increasing concern about cybersecurity risks associated with advanced technologies and the importance of maintaining national security through technological leadership.
Josh Harder was born in Turlock, California in 1986 and currently resides in Tracy at age 36. He holds degrees from Stanford University (BA) and Harvard University (graduate degree), according to biographical records.
