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A national pause on billions earmarked for Chicago's transportation plans was announced on the weekend, per Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought.

Targeted Projects

Included in the plans affected by the financial halt include the Red Line extension, which was set to start building in the coming year and extend public transport to underserved areas in the urban area.

Moreover, improvement projects on a variety of rail lines were also put on hold.

Explanation for the Freeze

The official wrote on X that the financing was “frozen to ensure funding is not flowing via race-based contracting.”

This announcement follows a parallel decision recently involving NYC, where the official said that $18 million for transportation would be paused, including funding for a planned rail tunnel under the Hudson.

National Shutdown Background

This move comes as the federal government closure enters its 72nd hour, with the upper chamber set to hold a vote later in the day.

Despite the anticipated legislative action, there is scant hope that a resolution is near, as opposition lawmakers insist on a series of health-related compromises.

Broader Implications

Meanwhile, a growing tally of federal agencies and employees are explicitly blaming the Democratic party for the shutdown.

The partisan communication by agencies could be a breach of the federal law, which bans federal employees from conducting political campaigning.

Furloughed government workers at some agencies have been directed to set email responses indicating that they are not working because opposition lawmakers triggered a stoppage.

“The radical 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 negotiation attempts.

An analysis by an economic analyst estimated that every week the closure persists will mean a $7 billion impact to the US economy.