Washington — The Trump administration announced Wednesday that it would be canceling $8 billion in climate-related projects in 16 states, the latest funding cut by the administration after the federal government pause roughly $18 billion in infrastructure projects in New York City. Vought said the initiatives — specifically for the Hudson Tunnel and Second Avenue Subway — were put on hold "to ensure funding is not flowing based on unconstitutional DEI principles," a reference to diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

The Department of Transportation said it issued letters informing New York officials that the projects were under administrative review "to determine whether any unconstitutional practices are occurring," and said that examination "will take more time" because of the shutdown.

"Without a budget, the Department has been forced to furlough the civil rights staff responsible for conducting this review," the Transportation Department said in a statement.

New York is home to the two top Democrats in Congress: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.