U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8), leading the charge for Democratic federal lawmakers, has penned a letter to the President Donald Trump (R) administration calling the withholding of Gateway Tunnel funding “politically motivated.”
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“The construction of this project is already underway, with several pieces near completion, and major milestones are consistently being met on schedule and on budget,” Menendez wrote in a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Office of Management and Budget Director Russel Vought.
“Between the progress already made and the economic benefits of this project, it is essential that construction on this project continue without interruption.”
Earlier today, Vought said that the project’s nearly $18 billion in funding was being withheld due to “unconstitutional DEI [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion] principles, Vought wrote on X this morning.
The DOT subsequently blamed the federal shutdown on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), which they said will now take longer since the staff tasked with reviewing the matter have been furloughed.
“It is abundantly clear that the withholding of these funds is politically motivated, as evidenced by the Department of Transportation’s statement attempting to blame Leaders Schumer and Jeffries for delaying this newly announced review of funds,” Menendez also wrote.
“These political games are unacceptable, and the American people deserve better. We urge you to immediately cease your obstruction of this vital project. Given the urgency of this situation and the thousands of hardworking Americans who are driving this project forward every single day, we expect a prompt response and quick corrective action.”
This morning, Gateway Development Commission CEO Thomas Prendergast acknowledged that federal funds for the project had been put on hold, saying they are committed to keeping the project on budget and on schedule.
“GDC has received notification from FTA regarding a pause in disbursements for the Hudson Tunnel Project,” he began.
“GDC complies with all federal laws and regulations, and will continue to do so throughout the project. We look forward to continuing our productive relationship with the Administration, FTA, FRA, and the US Department of Transportation. In the meantime, we remain focused on keeping the project on scope, schedule, and budget.”
