Breaking: Russ Vought Freezes $2.1 in Infrastructure Projects in Chicago – Specifically Projects Put on Hold to Ensure Funding Is Not Flowing via Race-Based Hiring | The Gateway Pundit | by Jim Hoft

This morning, Russ Vought, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, unveiled substantial cuts to federal spending amidst what some are calling the “Schumer Shutdown.” The decision primarily impacts federal investments, with Vought announcing a pause on $2.1 billion in crucial infrastructure projects in Chicago, including the Red Line Extension and the Red and Purple Modernization Project. This move, he claims, aims to prevent funding from being funneled through race-based contracts.

$2.1 billion in Chicago infrastructure projects—specifically the Red Line Extension and the Red and Purple Modernization Project—have been put on hold to ensure funding is not flowing via race-based contracting. More info to come soon from @USDOT.

— Russ Vought (@russvought) October 3, 2025

In a more sweeping move on Wednesday, Vought enacted a freeze on $8 billion earmarked for various green initiatives in a slew of liberal states including California, Colorado, and New York. This action seems to align with his broader intent to redirect funding away from what he terms “green new scam projects.”

Earlier, he publicly declared that approximately $18 billion in infrastructure projects in New York City were also on hold, as he sought to ensure that federal funds wouldn’t be allocated to programs underpinned by what he describes as unconstitutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles.

As reported, the Schumer Shutdown officially commenced at 12:01 AM after two legislative efforts to avert the shutdown failed to secure the necessary bipartisan support in the Senate. The GOP-backed proposal fell short with a 55-45 vote, a situation exacerbated by Senator Rand Paul joining Democrats in opposition.

The prevailing narrative suggests that both the Democratic Party and some Republican allies prioritized issues such as the welfare of undocumented immigrants and surgical procedures for transgender minors over the imperative of keeping the government operational. This prioritization opens the door to questions about accountability and governance amidst funding freezes and project delays.