Baltimore bridge collapse will cost millions

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The White House says President Joe Biden will go to Baltimore to get a firsthand look at the federal response to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge.

The Biden administration says its laser focused on trying to get this port back up and running because the Baltimore bridge is the one of the busiest ports in the nation.

Maryland leaders warn if federal leaders put this recovery effort on the back burner damages could spread across the U.S. economy.

The White House says President Biden will head to Baltimore Friday to show his support following the collapse of the Key bridge.

“We are with you Baltimore and we will be with you until we get this done,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

Since the bridge collapsed, the Biden administration has surged emergency resources to try and quickly reopen the port.

“The president is continuing to lead a whole of government approach to the collapse,” said Jean-Pierre.

That includes a $60 million down payment to start bridge reconstruction.

“There’s going to be additional funding needed,” she added.

Additional funding will need bipartisan buy-in from Congress.

“In the Constitution, we have responsibility for infrastructure,” said Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.)

Nebraska Republican Congressman Don Bacon said he just wants to make sure the payout is fair.

“The federal government does have a role with this bridge. I don’t think it should be the sole, you know, payer,” said Bacon.

South Carolina Democratic Congressman James Clyburn argues this is the federal government’s job.

“The fact of the matter is all of us, every state in the nation, all 50 of us, will take our turns needing this kind of assistance,” said Clyburn.

Democratic Maryland Governor Wes Moore is urging Congress to move quickly.

“This is a national economic catastrophe as well,” said Moore.

The impact is already being felt locally.  Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su was in Baltimore to try and find ways to help businesses and workers that are losing money daily because of this bridge collapse.

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