🔗 Share this article White House Halts Massive Funding for Chicago Infrastructure Initiatives The federal halt on massive funding allocated for Chicago's transit initiatives was revealed on the end of the week, as stated by Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought. Targeted Initiatives Among the plans targeted by the financial halt include the Red Line extension, which was scheduled to begin construction in the coming year and expand transportation services to less served communities in the urban area. Furthermore, modernization projects on a number of rail lines were also frozen. Reasoning for the Halt The official wrote on social media that the funds was “put on hold to ensure funding is not flowing via race-based contracting.” This announcement follows a parallel action recently involving New York City, where the director announced that millions for transportation would be frozen, including funding for a new train tunnel under the river. National Closure Situation This decision happens as the US government shutdown enters its 72nd hour, with the US Senate planned to hold a vote later in the day. Regardless of the scheduled legislative action, there is little optimism that a agreement is imminent, as Democrats demand a set of health-focused compromises. Wider Implications Meanwhile, a increasing tally of federal agencies and personnel are clearly accusing the Democratic party for the closure. The political messaging by offices could be a violation of the federal law, which forbids federal employees from engaging in partisan political activity. Furloughed federal employees at various agencies have been told to set email responses indicating that they are not working because Democrats triggered 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. Even, warnings over economic damage seem not to be stimulating compromise efforts. A study by a consulting firm estimated that every seven-day period the shutdown continues will mean a $7bn blow to the national economy.