‘You’re Maryland tough, you’re Baltimore strong’: Biden speaks after bridge collapses, pledging federal support

Paola Belloso
·2 min read
34
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — President Joe Biden gave a speech following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore.

Biden said he spoke to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore as well as the Mayor of Baltimore and added that he’s going to send all the federal resources the State needs in order to better help search and rescue efforts.

Virginia, DC ready to help after Baltimore bridge collapse

Biden said search and rescue is their top priority.

He said that so far, everything seems to indicate that this tragedy was an accident.

“Our prayers are with everyone involved in this terrible accident. All of the families, especially those waiting for news of their loved one right now. I know every minute in that circumstance feels like a lifetime,” Biden said.

The president said he is also directing his team to “move heaven and earth to reopen the port” along with rebuilding the bridge as quickly as “humanly possible.”

“We’re going to send all the federal resources they need as we respond to this emergency,” he said. “I mean, all the federal resources and we’re going to rebuild that port together.”

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg echoed that sentiment during a press conference in Baltimore.

“The path to normalcy will not be easy. It will not be quick. It will not be inexpensive. But we will rebuild together,” he said.

Carnival Legend moves to Norfolk after Baltimore bridge collapse

While Biden’s pledge would require congressional approval, Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin said he’s working with his fellow Congresspeople to get the work done.

“It’s critically important to our economy,” he said. “It affects many, many jobs.”

Baltimore has also received offers of help and support from Wasington, D.C.’s Mayor Muriel Bowser and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who has offered the Port of Virginia as a recipient of some Port of Baltimore cargo.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.