Maryland Gov. asks Congress for aid to rebuild Baltimore bridge

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Maryland’s Democratic Governor Wes Moore was on Capitol Hill Tuesday lobbying for funding for the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

“The state of Maryland is still very much mourning,” Moore said.

He’s pushing lawmakers to quickly deliver on President Joe Biden’s promise to fund 100% of the costs to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

“About two weeks ago, a part of our soul fell into the Patapsco River,” Moore said.

Maryland’s entire congressional delegation including Andy Harris, the sole Republican, argue the funding should not be a partisan debate.

“This wasn’t a Republican tragedy, it wasn’t a Democrat tragedy, and the solution won’t be a partisan solution. It’ll be a bipartisan solution,” Harris said.

The cost to reconstruct the massive bridge is still under review.

Democratic Senator Ben Cardin said it will likely need a new, more modern design.

“There’s been a 3,000% increase since 1975, when this bridge was constructed, in regards to the amount of traffic cargo that goes through. So, it needs to meet the current need,” he said.

Cardin said after talking to his Republican colleagues in the Senate, he is optimistic aid is in reach, but it’s unclear if House Republicans will fall in line.

In a letter last week, conservatives in the House Freedom Caucus demanded the shipping company responsible for the bridge collapse be forced to pay its fair share before taxpayers spend a dime.

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