Federal Government Freezes Billions for Chicago Transit Projects
A national freeze on massive funding earmarked for Chicago infrastructure initiatives was announced on the end of the week, as stated by Office of Management and Budget Director the budget director.
Targeted Initiatives
Among the projects affected by the financial halt include the public transit expansion, which was scheduled to begin construction in the coming year and improve public transport to underserved communities in the urban area.
Additionally, improvement projects on a series of public transport routes were also put on hold.
Justification for the Halt
Vought stated on social media that the money was “put on hold to ensure funding is not flowing via race-based contracting.”
This announcement follows a parallel move recently involving NYC, where the official said that $18 million for public works would be paused, including funding for a proposed train tunnel under the Hudson.
Federal Shutdown Background
The action occurs as the national stoppage reaches its third day, with the upper chamber planned to take a vote later in the day.
Regardless of the scheduled legislative action, there is little hope that a deal is imminent, as the Democratic party hold out for a set of health-focused concessions.
Additional Effects
Additionally, a increasing amount of federal agencies and staff are clearly blaming opposition leaders for the stoppage.
The government communication by agencies may be a infraction of the Hatch Act, which bans government workers from conducting electioneering.
Laid-off federal employees at certain departments have been directed to set email responses indicating that they are not working because opposition lawmakers caused a shutdown.
A progressive wing has chosen to shut down the United States government in the name of reckless spending and obstructionism,” a federal agency page states.
Additionally, advisories over economic impact are not prompting conciliatory moves.
An analysis by a consulting firm estimated that every week the closure persists will mean a $7bn blow to the economy.
