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In recent weeks, criticism about U.S. high-speed rail development seems to have slowed momentum for the High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail program. But here’s a sign that the international contingent believes high-speed rail is here to stay: At the World Congress on High Speed Rail being held this week in China, International Union of Railways Director General Jean-Pierre Loubinoux announced the next congress will be held in America for the first time.

The conference is set to take place in Washington, D.C., in September 2012, according to a U.S. High Speed Rail Association press release.

“The ambitious plan publicized by President Obama in the framework of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act announces a fascinating time for railway development in America,” said Loubinoux, in a prepared statement. “A competitive, high-performance railway system — including a large network of high-speed links — will constitute one of the pillars of U.S. policies for transportation and sustainable development.”