Baltimore Mayor urges bipartisan cooperation to repair Key Bridge despite Republican resistance

The mayor of Baltimore is urging Congress to come together in response to the recent disaster caused by a massive container ship crashing into the Francis Scott Key Bridge, a vital crossing in the city. The incident has not only destroyed the bridge but has also led to the shutdown of one of the largest ports on the East Coast.

Mayor Brandon Scott emphasized the importance of a unified response during an appearance on CBS’s Face the Nation. He highlighted the significant impact the closure of the port will have on various sectors, including the import of foreign automobiles and agriculture.

The federal government is expected to cover the majority of the costs for clearing the wreckage, removing the trapped ship, and rebuilding the bridge. President Joe Biden has pledged full support for the reconstruction efforts, assuring Marylanders that the federal government will cover the entire cost.

However, some Republicans have expressed opposition to the idea of further federal funding for the project. Rep Ralph Norman criticized the proposal as “totally absurd,” while Dan Meuser called it “outrageous.” Despite the pushback, Maryland officials and their representatives on Capitol Hill are expected to advocate for additional funding through legislation.

President Biden is set to visit the state in the coming days to assess the situation firsthand. The people of Baltimore are counting on the government to support them throughout the recovery process until the port is reopened and the bridge is rebuilt.