Administration Halts Massive Funding for Chicago Transport Projects
A national pause on massive funding designated for Chicago's transit initiatives was announced on Friday, per Budget Director the official.
Impacted Initiatives
Among the plans targeted by the budget pause involve the public transit expansion, which was scheduled to start building in 2026 and expand transportation services to underserved neighborhoods in the city.
Moreover, improvement projects on a number of public transport routes were also put on hold.
Justification for the Freeze
Vought stated on social media that the financing was “frozen to ensure funding is not flowing via race-based contracting.”
This statement follows a similar decision earlier this week involving New York City, where Vought stated that $18 million for transportation would be frozen, including funding for a new train tunnel under the river.
Government Stoppage Background
The action occurs as the federal government closure continues into its 72nd hour, with the US Senate set to hold a vote later in the day.
Regardless of the planned Senate vote, there is scant confidence that a agreement is close, as opposition lawmakers demand a set of medical concessions.
Additional Consequences
At the same time, a increasing number of federal agencies and personnel are clearly blaming opposition leaders for the shutdown.
This government communication by agencies may be a violation of the Hatch Act, which bans federal employees from conducting electioneering.
Furloughed public servants at certain agencies have been instructed to set out-of-office messages stating that they are not working because Democrats caused a shutdown.
A progressive wing has chosen to shut down the United States government in the name of reckless spending and obstructionism,” an official government site reads.
Even, alerts over financial harm seem not to be encouraging compromise efforts.
A study by EY Parthenon said that every week the shutdown lasts will mean a $7bn blow to the national economy.
