These projects had been under review “to determine whether any unconstitutional practices are occurring,” the Transportation Department said in a statement. The agency went on to blame Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who are both from New York. “Thanks to the Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jefferies [sic] shutdown, however, USDOT’s review of New York’s unconstitutional practices will take more time,” the agency said. Meanwhile, Schumer and Jeffries, who have argued that the funding bill must better address the “healthcare crisis,” blamed President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers. Trump has long disparaged Mamdani, previously labeling him “radical” and a “communist lunatic.” Mamdani, when asked about the “communist” label by CNN on Monday, reiterated he is a democratic socialist.