A House Republican lawmaker is moving to cut off federal funding to New York City for the duration of Zohran Mamdani’s tenure as mayor.The proposal, spearheaded by Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), is titled the Moving American Money Distant from Anti-National Interests Act — or, pointedly, the “MAMDANI Act.”
The bill, which is only two pages, states that “notwithstanding any other provision of law, during any period in which Zohran Mamdani is mayor of New York, New York” that “any unobligated Federal funds available” for the city “are hereby rescinded” and that “no Federal funds may be obligated or expended for any purpose to New York, New York.”
Fox News Digital reported that Carter was expected to introduce the legislation on Friday.The 34-year-old socialist clinched victory in Tuesday’s New York City mayoral race, defeating independent candidate and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, as well as Republican contender Curtis Sliwa.The outcome came as little surprise to political observers — after all, New York City hasn’t elected a Republican mayor since Michael Bloomberg secured a second term back in 2005.While Carter’s bill stands little chance of advancing in the House, it underscores how sharply focused Republicans have become on Mamdani’s rise. GOP leaders are already framing the newly elected socialist mayor as the face — and future — of the Democratic Party, the New York Post noted.-A House Republican campaign strategist told Fox News Digital on Wednesday that the GOP plans to link vulnerable Democrats nationwide to Mamdani and his far-left agenda.
Carter, who is running for the U.S. Senate in Georgia, added that taxpayer money from his state “should not be wasted on programs that will bankrupt the financial capital of the world.”
“If New Yorkers want communism, we should let them have their wish and not artificially prop them up with our successful capitalist system,” Carter said. “Any New Yorker with common sense is welcome to move to the great, FREE state of Georgia.”
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Mamdani is already facing backlash over the video he released following his victory over former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
Following his victory, Mamdani shared a video on X outlining his plans for the transition period, emphasizing that “a lot of work lies ahead.”
The newly elected New York City mayor thanked his supporters and explained that, while he had previously asked them to stop sending campaign donations, he was now encouraging contributions from “working class” residents to help fund the transition. Mamdani said the funds would be used to hire policy experts, strengthen infrastructure, and support the early stages of his administration.
Along with the video, Mamdani wrote, “Thank you, New York City. Together we made history. Now let’s get to work.”
His demand for donations immediately after his election victory sparked backlash online.
“It’s been less than 24 hours since Mamdani won the election & he’s already asking for money. Congratulations New York City, bravo,” one user wrote.
Another added, “Islamist and Communist Mamdani promises ‘free’ stuff. Now he begs for donations?” Yet another person commented, “Already begging for money. What a joke.”
Liberal commentator Van Jones was among those raising alarm at Democratic socialist mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s fiery victory speech, noting what he called an instant “character switch” as soon as the election was called.
Jones told CNN that the 34-year-old’s tone was a stark departure from the calm and collected image he showed on the campaign trail.
“I think he missed an opportunity. I think the Mamdani that we saw in the campaign trail, who was a lot more calm, who was a lot warmer, who was a lot more embracing, was not present in that speech,” Jones said on a post-election panel.
“I think his tone was sharp. I think he was using the microphone in a way that he was almost yelling. That’s not the Mamdani that we’ve seen on TikTok and the great interviews and stuff like that.”
Teamsters President Sean O’Brien, flanked by Vice President JD Vance and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, called on Senate Democrats to immediately end the ongoing government that is on pace to become the longest in Republican history.
House Republicans last month passed a “clean” temporary funding measure, knowing as a continuing resolution (CR), that would extend fiscal year (FY) 2025 through late November and give lawmakers additional time to negotiate a comprehensive package for FY 2026. Senate Democrats, with the exception of three lawmakers, have repeatedly voted against the clean bill in order to hold out for legislative wishlist items like an extension of Obama-era Affordable Care Act (ACA) credits.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has openly admitted that Democrats are attempting to extend the shutdown as long as possible in order to gain political capital, particularly by blaming Republicans for side effects like the looming SNAP crisis. O’Brien rejected this framing, however, and explicitly called on Schumer to vote for the House-passed CR while speaking at the White House.
Look, the bottom line, and we took a position, I represent 1 .3 million working men and women in this country for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. We took a position three weeks ago. Pass a clean CR, get to the table, negotiate a deal,” he said.
“Do not put working people in the middle of a problem. They should not be in there. And we’ve got to think about the families that are going to be affected. Think about when you have to tell your son or daughter they can’t play sports because you’re not getting paid. Think about when you can’t pay your mortgage. Think about when you can’t pay your tuition. Put the politics aside, get to the table, negotiate a deal, pass a clean CR right now, and then figure out the problems moving forward.”
He went on to thank air traffic controllers, thousands of whom have been working without pay throughout the shutdown. “I want to thank the Aviation Administration for all their hard work and sacrifice they make. And look, security and safety of the airlines is paramount. Let’s not compromise the safety and security. Pass a clean CR.”
The longest shutdown in U.S. history lasted 35 days, spanning between December 2018 and January of the following year. The second-longest — until the current dispute — was a 21-day shutdown under former President Bill Clinton between December 1995 and January 1996.