An ongoing infrastructure funding freeze has halted $11 billion in federal projects across several U.S. cities. The Trump administration announced the freeze as its standoff with Congress intensified. The decision heightens tensions while the government shutdown stretches into another week. Vought said the administration imposed the infrastructure funding freeze to safeguard resources amid fierce budget battles between Democrats and Republicans.
Speaking in Washington, Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought confirmed that the Army Corps of Engineers paused dozens of projects. He said the pause affects major developments in New York, San Francisco, Boston, and Baltimore. Vought added that the administration aims to realign how the federal government prioritizes Army Corps initiatives.
New York faces the largest financial hit, losing about $7 billion in active construction and maintenance projects. Meanwhile, Massachusetts also loses $600 million intended to replace two aging Cape Cod canal bridges that serve millions of travelers. Illinois, Maryland, Oregon, and New Jersey will likely experience costly delays in infrastructure upgrades. Overall, the combined impact could disrupt essential transportation links and slow regional economic recovery.
Vought blamed “Democrat obstruction” for the shutdown, saying their actions forced agencies to halt spending. He accused Democratic lawmakers of using the budget fight to restore medical benefits for undocumented immigrants and expand tax credits. The White House argued that the infrastructure funding freeze helps redirect resources toward projects aligned with constitutional principles.
Democratic leaders quickly condemned the decision. New York Governor Kathy Hochul dismissed it as political and vowed to challenge the freeze legally. Maryland Representative Kweisi Mfume said partisan politics again placed American workers at risk. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey insisted that the bridge replacement project remains legally authorized by Congress and should continue.
The infrastructure funding freeze follows earlier actions that suspended $18 billion for New York’s Hudson Tunnel and Second Avenue Subway projects. Vought said he froze those funds to prevent spending tied to diversity and equity programs he considered unconstitutional. Since the shutdown began, the administration has withheld at least $28 billion in infrastructure and climate-related projects.
As the budget stalemate continues, federal workers and contractors face mounting financial strain. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson urged Democrats to compromise before Congress votes on new spending bills. Meanwhile, state leaders warned that stalled infrastructure projects could slow economic recovery and undermine public safety.
Ultimately, the future of the infrastructure funding freeze now depends on negotiations between the White House and Congress. Without agreement, states may soon cancel critical projects vital to regional growth and transportation. As a result, political gridlock continues to trap billions of dollars meant for rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure. Until progress emerges, communities across the country remain uncertain about when stalled construction can resume.For more political updates, visit DC Brief.
For more political updates, visit DC Brief.
