Administration Freezes Billions for Chicago Infrastructure Initiatives
The government halt on $2.1 billion earmarked for Chicago's transportation initiatives was declared on Friday, per OMB Director Russ Vought.
Impacted Plans
Included in the plans targeted by the budget pause are the public transit expansion, which was planned to begin construction in the coming year and improve public transport to underserved communities in the metropolis.
Additionally, upgrading projects on a number of public transport routes were also frozen.
Reasoning for the Pause
The official stated on social media that the funds was “frozen to ensure funding is not flowing via race-based contracting.”
The declaration mirrors a similar action earlier this week involving New York City, where the official announced that significant funding for transportation would be halted, including funding for a planned rail tunnel under the river.
Government Closure Background
The action occurs as the federal government closure enters its third consecutive day, with the upper chamber scheduled to hold a vote later in the day.
Despite the planned vote in the Senate, there is little optimism that a resolution is near, as the Democratic party demand a series of health-focused compromises.
Wider Effects
Additionally, a growing tally of government departments and personnel are clearly blaming Democrats for the closure.
This partisan communication by offices could be a violation of the government ethics law, which prohibits public servants from conducting electioneering.
Suspended public servants at certain offices have been instructed to set out-of-office messages explaining that they are not working because opposition lawmakers triggered a closure.
A radical left has chosen to shut down the United States government in the name of reckless spending and obstructionism,” the treasury department’s website reads.
Additionally, warnings over economic impact don’t appear to be stimulating negotiation attempts.
An analysis by a consulting firm estimated that every week the closure persists will mean a multi-billion dollar blow to the economy.
