President Biden is set to visit Baltimore in support of the city after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge caused devastation and disruption to traffic and commerce. The president plans to survey the site of the collapse, meet with state and local officials, and visit with the families of the six men who tragically lost their lives in the incident. The Biden administration has already approved $60 million in immediate aid to help with the cleanup efforts, and the president is calling for the federal government to cover the entire cost of the bridge’s reconstruction, a move that would require approval from Congress.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized the administration’s commitment to standing with the people of Baltimore throughout the recovery process. President Biden has pledged to support the city every step of the way as they work to rebuild the bridge and restore normalcy to the area. The collapse of the bridge has had a significant impact on the local economy, with approximately 35,000 cars crossing the bridge daily and now needing to find alternate routes. Despite the challenges faced by the community, the president has assured residents that they can count on the federal government to assist until the port is reopened and the bridge is reconstructed.
The Biden administration is pushing for a 100 percent federal cost share for the rebuilding of the bridge, citing similar bipartisan funding provided after the 2007 collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minnesota. The president’s visit to Baltimore comes as part of a broader effort to assess the ongoing federal response efforts and provide support to the community as they navigate the aftermath of the collapse. Maryland’s congressional delegation is set to meet with Governor Wes Moore and White House Office of Management and Budget director Shalanda Young to discuss emergency funding for Baltimore and its response to the bridge collapse, further highlighting the government’s commitment to assisting with the recovery process.
While a temporary channel has been opened to allow some water traffic to proceed, the reconstruction of the bridge is expected to take years. The Francis Scott Key Bridge serves as a key artery for the city, state, and Northeast corridor, further underscoring the importance of its timely reconstruction. President Biden’s visit to Baltimore aims to show solidarity with the community and provide reassurance that the federal government will remain engaged until the bridge is restored and the area is fully recovered. The president’s message of unity and support underscores his commitment to standing by the people of Baltimore as they work towards rebuilding and recovery.
