Russ Vought, who served as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President Trump, declared on Wednesday a suspension of federal funding for New York City infrastructure projects.
This decision stems from concerns over the implementation of "unconstitutional DEI principles" within the city. Vought stated, "Roughly $18 billion in New York City infrastructure projects have been put on hold to ensure funding is not flowing based on unconstitutional DEI principles. More info to come soon from US DOT."
According to The Post Millennial, the funds in question were allocated for critical projects such as the Hudson Tunnel Project and the Second Avenue Subway. This funding freeze coincides with a partial federal government shutdown, triggered by a standoff over the Democrats' demand to include federally funded healthcare in a continuing resolution.
The city's planning and construction initiatives are currently bound by race and gender quotas, which must be satisfied before contracts are awarded. Additionally, there are specific hiring mandates within city government.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has previously clashed with city officials, notably after Governor Kathy Hochul introduced congestion pricing for Manhattan, a move Duffy criticized as an improper use of government funds. Duffy has also criticized Hochul for granting truckers' licenses to illegal immigrants.
As New York City approaches a mayoral election, socialist state assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is poised to gain prominence. Mamdani's agenda includes taxing affluent individuals and corporations to support socialist initiatives such as free daycare, free public transportation, and rent control measures. Meanwhile, incumbent Mayor Eric Adams has withdrawn from the race, urging New Yorkers to reject extremism, as embodied by Mamdani, in city governance.
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