The first day of the U.S. government shutdown saw the Senate failing for a third time to advance a funding bill that could have restored normal operations, and a freeze placed on $18 billion in infrastructure projects in the hometown of Congress’ top two Democrats.

The two projects identified for the hold by President Donald Trump’s top budget official — New York’s Hudson Tunnel Project and the Second Avenue Subway — led to speculation about selective targeting against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Wednesday also brought word that federal worker layoffs would start to take place in two days. That came during a House Republican conference with Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought. White House press secretary Karoline Leavit

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