Senators representing New York strongly criticized White House budget director Russ Vought’s decision on Wednesday to suspend billions of dollars in federal funding allocated for major infrastructure initiatives in New York City.
Vought announced via two posts on X that the Trump administration would withhold approximately $18 billion in funding intended for two significant construction projects.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the junior senator from New York, condemned the decision as unjustified, stating: “This action runs contrary to the administration’s prior assurances. The Gateway project is vital to the economy of the Eastern Seaboard and to the broader U.S. economy. Blocking it will significantly harm New Yorkers. The move is purely political, likely unlawful, and ultimately disgraceful.
”Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also denounced the decision, asserting that Vought and the administration were using residents of New York and New Jersey as political bargaining tools. He remarked: “This is a reprehensible act that demonstrates the administration’s disregard for working families. The Gateway project is essential for commuters in both New Jersey and New York. The fact that it is being used for political leverage reflects a profound neglect of ordinary American workers.”
