Federal Government Pauses $2.1 Billion for Chicago Transit Plans
The national halt on massive funding allocated for Chicago transportation projects was revealed on the end of the week, per OMB Director the budget director.
Affected Plans
Included in the projects affected by the financial halt are the Red Line extension, which was scheduled to start building next year and expand transportation services to underserved areas in the city.
Additionally, modernization projects on a variety of transit lines were also paused.
Explanation for the Pause
The official stated on online platforms that the funds was “paused to ensure funding is not flowing via race-based contracting.”
The statement mirrors a similar move earlier this week involving New York, where the official announced that significant funding for public works would be frozen, including funding for a planned subway tunnel under the river.
Government Shutdown Background
The action comes as the federal government closure continues into its third day, with the US Senate planned to conduct a vote later in the day.
Regardless of the planned vote in the Senate, there is minimal hope that a deal is imminent, as opposition lawmakers hold out for a set of health-focused agreements.
Additional Effects
Meanwhile, a growing amount of federal agencies and employees are explicitly blaming Democrats for the stoppage.
The political messaging by agencies could be a infraction of the government ethics law, which prohibits government workers from engaging in political campaigning.
Suspended government workers at certain departments have been directed to set automated replies explaining that they are not working because the Democratic party caused a shutdown.
“The progressive wing has chosen to shut down the United States government in the name of reckless spending and obstructionism,” an official government site states.
Even, advisories over economic impact are not encouraging compromise efforts.
An analysis by EY Parthenon said that every week the shutdown lasts will mean a multi-billion dollar hit to the US economy.