🔗 Share this article

A government freeze on massive funding designated for the city of Chicago transportation plans was announced on the weekend, as stated by OMB Director the budget director.

Targeted Projects

Included in the plans targeted by the budget pause involve the Red Line extension, which was planned to begin construction in the coming year and improve public transport to underprivileged areas in the city.

Moreover, upgrading projects on a number of rail lines were also put on hold.

Reasoning for the Halt

The official declared on online platforms that the funds was “paused to ensure funding is not flowing via race-based contracting.”

This announcement comes after a similar move earlier this week involving New York, where the official stated that significant funding for public works would be paused, including money for a planned rail tunnel under the river.

Government Stoppage Situation

The move happens as the US government shutdown continues into its third day, with the upper chamber planned to conduct a vote later in the day.

Despite the planned Senate vote, there is little confidence that a agreement is close, as Democrats insist on a set of health-related agreements.

Wider Effects

At the same time, a rising number of federal agencies and employees are directly accusing Democrats for the shutdown.

The political messaging by offices may be a violation of the government ethics law, which prohibits federal employees from participating in political campaigning.

Suspended government workers at certain offices have been directed to set email responses explaining that they are not working because Democrats initiated a closure.

A far left has chosen to shut down the United States government in the name of reckless spending and obstructionism,” an official government site declares.

Even, advisories over economic damage are not prompting negotiation attempts.

A report by a consulting firm said that every week the stoppage persists will mean a $7bn blow to the national economy.