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A national halt on $2.1 billion allocated for the city of Chicago transportation projects was declared on the weekend, as stated by OMB Director the budget director.

Affected Initiatives

Included in the initiatives targeted by the budget pause involve the Red Line extension, which was set to break ground next year and expand transportation services to less served areas in the metropolis.

Additionally, upgrading projects on a series of transit lines were also put on hold.

Justification for the Pause

The budget director declared on social media that the financing was “paused to ensure funding is not flowing via race-based contracting.”

This declaration mirrors a comparable decision recently involving NYC, where Vought said that millions for transportation would be halted, including money for a new subway tunnel under the river.

Government Stoppage Situation

The action comes as the federal government closure enters its 72nd hour, with the upper chamber set to conduct a vote later in the day.

In spite of the planned legislative action, there is little optimism that a resolution is imminent, as Democrats demand a series of health-focused agreements.

Broader Implications

At the same time, a growing tally of federal agencies and personnel are directly accusing opposition leaders for the closure.

The political messaging by offices may be a breach of the government ethics law, which forbids federal employees from conducting electioneering.

Furloughed federal employees at various offices have been directed to set out-of-office messages explaining that they are not working because opposition lawmakers triggered a closure.

A 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, warnings over financial harm don’t appear to be prompting negotiation attempts.

A report by an economic analyst said that every seven-day period the stoppage continues will mean a $7bn blow to the US economy.