Administration Freezes Billions for Windy City Infrastructure Projects
The government halt on billions designated for the city of Chicago infrastructure plans was declared on the weekend, per OMB Director the budget director.
Affected Plans
Among the initiatives targeted by the budget pause include the extension of the Red Line, which was planned to begin construction in the coming year and extend mass transit to underprivileged communities in the urban area.
Additionally, modernization efforts on a series of transit lines were also paused.
Explanation for the Halt
The budget director stated on online platforms that the financing was “paused to ensure funding is not flowing via race-based contracting.”
The statement follows a parallel action in recent days involving NYC, where the official stated that significant funding for transportation would be halted, including money for a proposed rail tunnel under the Hudson River.
Government Shutdown Background
This decision occurs as the federal government closure reaches its 72nd hour, with the US Senate planned to hold a vote later in the day.
In spite of the planned vote in the Senate, there is scant optimism that a resolution is near, as the Democratic party hold out for a set of health-focused agreements.
Wider Implications
At the same time, a increasing tally of national offices and staff are clearly blaming Democrats for the stoppage.
The partisan communication by offices may be a violation of the Hatch Act, which bans public servants from conducting electioneering.
Furloughed government workers at various agencies have been directed to set email responses stating that they are not working because the Democratic party triggered a closure.
A far left has chosen to shut down the United States government in the name of reckless spending and obstructionism,” a federal agency page reads.
Additionally, advisories over financial harm don’t appear to be prompting conciliatory moves.
An analysis by a consulting firm indicated that every seven-day period the shutdown lasts will mean a $7 billion hit to the national economy.
