A group of members of Congress from Maryland introduced the Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act, a legislation that aims to have the federal government cover 100% of the cost of replacing the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The bridge collapsed last month after a container ship struck one of its main supports, resulting in the death of six construction workers. Maryland Democratic Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, along with Rep. Kweisi Mfume and other members of the state’s congressional delegation, introduced the bill. The bill is seen as essential in reopening the Port of Baltimore shipping channel and replacing the bridge with a modern structure suited for current commerce and travel needs.
President Biden has expressed support for the federal government covering the entire cost of reconstructing the bridge, and has encouraged Congress to support the effort. Emergency relief funding of $60 million has already been released by the federal government, and additional financial support has been announced to aid the city’s economy. The exact cost of the recovery and rebuilding effort remains uncertain, with concerns raised by some lawmakers about approving additional federal funds upfront instead of holding third parties accountable for the damage. However, the administration emphasizes the urgency of moving quickly on the matter while working to reimburse taxpayers for recovery costs in the future.
The bipartisan effort to secure federal funding for the replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge is gaining support from both sides of the aisle. Maryland Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin has spoken with colleagues on both sides about supporting the effort, noting that the 100% reimbursement for the bridge replacement has strong bipartisan support. Maryland Republican Rep. Andy Harris has also committed to working towards passing the legislation in Congress, emphasizing that tragedy should not be a partisan issue and that a bipartisan solution is essential for the rebuilding process. Governor Wes Moore of Maryland has also stressed the national implications of the tragedy and the importance of a collective and bipartisan response in rebuilding the bridge.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse has highlighted the need for federal assistance in rebuilding critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of transportation networks. The bipartisan support for the Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act underscores the importance of investing in infrastructure projects to prevent future tragedies and support economic growth. The federal government’s commitment to covering the cost of replacing the bridge reflects a united effort to address the immediate challenges and long-term impacts of the collapse. The legislation is seen as a crucial step in rebuilding the bridge and restoring the Port of Baltimore shipping channel to full operation.
