A federal judge Tuesday granted a temporary restraining order to block the Trump administration from withholding federal money while New York challenges its order to stop collecting revenue from congestion pricing.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority asked U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman to stop the Transportation Department from taking retaliatory action against the state, WABC reported.
Each side got 45 minutes to present its argument Tuesday, before the judge issued a temporary restraining order until June 9, CBS News reported.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy threatened to withhold federal approvals or funds for other transportation initiatives in the state if the congestion-pricing program does not stop. The secretary gave New York multiple deadlines to stop the program.
Duffy's latest deadline, May 21, passed without New York taking action to stop congestion pricing.
The MTA sent Duffy letter last week saying congestion pricing is legal and he does not have the authority to terminate it, CBS News reported.
New York launched its first-in-the-nation program in January, charging most passenger vehicles a toll of $9 during peak periods to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street, in a bid to cut congestion and raise funds to improve mass transit.
A Siena College poll in March found support for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's congestion tax has gained support in recent months.
The poll's results showed, among New York City voters, 42% support the program, with 35% expressing opposition, and 16% reporting they are in "the middle." The new poll indicated a marked shift in support when, in December, only 32% backed the program, with 56% against it.
Reuters contributed to this story.
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.