Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Pa.) criticized President Biden for promising federal government will pay to replace the collapsing Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which collapsed this week after a container ship hit it, causing six deaths. Biden stated the federal government will
do everything possible to rebuild the bridge. The collapse has caused chaos for East Coast shipping, closing the Port of Baltimore and cutting off Interstate 695. “It was outrageous for Biden to immediately suggest using federal funds to pay for the entire bridge,” Meuser said in a Fox News interview with Maria Bartiromo. “His first and only reaction seems to be about spending.” On Tuesday, Biden pledged to provide Baltimore with all necessary federal resources as they respond to the emergency, promising to rebuild the port and bridge together.
“It’s my intention that the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge, and I expect Congress to support my effort,” he said at the White House. “Although it will take time, the people of Baltimore can rely on us to stand by them until the port reopens and the bridge is rebuilt.”
It’s unclear how much a new bridge would cost or how long it would take to build. Federal officials told Maryland leaders on Wednesday that it could cost as much as $2 billion,
according to Roll Call. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Wednesday that the federal government has about $950 million in funds authorized for emergency use, so congressional action will likely be needed.
Meuser suggested seeking funds from the Singapore government, where the container ship MV Dali is registered, or going after the shipping company’s insurance. “We can’t always choose the easy option and just spend taxpayers’ money,” he said. “There's no consideration, just spending.”.
The National Transportation Safety Board has not yet determined the exact cause of the Dali's impact on the bridge’s primary support columns. Initial reports suggest the ship may have lost power and been unable to avoid the bridge.
The six individuals killed in the collapse were roadway workers repairing potholes. Two others were rescued from the river with injuries.
The Army Corps of Engineers announced on Wednesday that it will
send 1,100 personnel
to help clear the wreckage and open the entrance to the Port of Baltimore.
The closure is likely to have significant economic effects on Baltimore, as the port is used for importing cars and food products, as well as exporting coal. Maryland state data indicates that 850,000 car and truck imports have passed through the area, and around 30,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily. The port also supports about 15,000 jobs. Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Pa.) criticized President Biden for pledging that the federal government will pay to replace the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which was struck by a container ship, causing six deaths. Biden said the government will “do everything possible to… to Baltimore to help clear the wreckage of the fallen bridge, which has blocked the entrance to the Port of Baltimore.
The closure is likely to have massive economic impacts on Baltimore, where the port is used to import cars and food products and export coal. Maryland state data indicated that 850,000 car and truck imports have rotated through the area, and some 30,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily. The port also supports about 15,000 jobs.
