Biden promises to continue working until Baltimore’s Key Bridge is rebuilt during visit to disaster site

President Joe Biden made a solemn vow to the people of Maryland as he stood near the wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, promising that his administration would not rest until a new span was rebuilt and vehicles were once again crossing the Patapsco River.

The collapse of the bridge, caused by a container ship striking one of its supports, resulted in the tragic loss of four highway workers who were repairing the span. President Biden paid tribute to these workers, describing them as “hard-working, strong, and selfless.”

With Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen by his side, President Biden assured the state that the federal government would cover the cost of rebuilding the bridge. Despite some Republicans suggesting that the owner of the container ship should bear the financial responsibility, the Biden administration has already allocated funds for the initial salvage and recovery efforts.

The President also announced plans to expedite the reopening of the Port of Baltimore, a vital shipping channel that has been blocked by the wreckage. He directed various federal agencies to remove the debris as quickly and safely as possible, with a temporary channel for commercial traffic expected to open by the end of the month.

Furthermore, President Biden pledged support for workers impacted by the port closure, offering Dislocated Worker Grants and Small Business Administration loans to keep businesses afloat. He urged companies to commit to staying in Baltimore during the cleanup efforts, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to rebuilding the bridge with union labor and American steel.

As questions linger about how the rebuilding efforts will be funded, President Biden reassured Maryland and Baltimore that his administration would stand by them every step of the way, ensuring that those responsible for the collapse are held accountable. The President’s visit to the site of the collapse underscored his determination to see the community through this challenging time and emerge stronger than before.