Dear Friend,

If you need to get from one region to another in the United States, you will probably choose between driving a car or flying in a plane. In Japan or China or Europe, you would have another option: a high-speed train.

Since 2008, China went from having very little high-speed rail to having over 25,000 miles of it. Also in 2008, California voters approved a high-speed rail project, but today, not a single mile of it is even close to operating.

Why has America fallen behind? When I was young, the United States was the world leader in infrastructure, technology, and the standard of living of its citizens. Today, we cannot even manage to build a train between Los Angeles and Bakersfield, while so much of the developed world takes high-speed rail throughout their countries for granted.

This is unacceptable and we the people should say so. America used to be known for doing great things, and we need to do great things again. It’s time we demand that the U.S. catch up and build a high-speed rail network throughout our country. We cannot leave it to states or private companies. The federal government must step in and lead the way.

“But what about the cost?” they’ll say. Compared to the military budget, which increases every year with virtually no opposition, high-speed rail is not that expensive. We have become used to the idea that nearly a trillion dollars for the military in a single year is fine, but a lesser amount to transform American life is a pipe dream. In truth, high-speed rail will stimulate our economy by enabling so much greater movement for people and businesses. That will truly be an America on the move.

Furthermore, other countries have been able to build high-speed rail much cheaper and faster than we have, so we must learn from those countries and change the laws that lead to increased time and cost of rail construction. We are Americans and we can do this.

Please give what you can so that we can continue to raise such important issues. Our campaign is holding a bold, fresh conversation with the American people. And we must not stop.

In this final stretch before the primaries, we need you.