President Joe Biden traveled to Baltimore on Friday to visit the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and pledge federal support for rebuilding efforts. Joined by Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and other officials, Biden expressed solidarity with local officials and recovery workers during his visit.

Addressing the crowd, Biden assured them that the nation had their back and vowed to leave no stone unturned until a new bridge stood in place. He reiterated his intention for the federal government to cover the entire cost of rebuilding the Key Bridge and urged Congress to authorize the effort as soon as possible.

The White House officially requested Congress to approve full federal funding for the bridge reconstruction project. Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young sent a letter to Congressional committee leaders asking for a 100 percent federal cost share in order to demonstrate their commitment to aid in the recovery efforts.

Prior to his address, Biden received an operational briefing on salvage efforts and an aerial tour of the wreckage from aboard Marine One. He commended first responders for their tireless efforts and later met with the families of the six workers who tragically lost their lives in the bridge disaster.

The collapse occurred when the container ship Dali struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, causing a partial collapse. Six construction workers are believed to have fallen into the frigid waters of the Patapsco River, with two bodies recovered and four still missing and presumed dead.

During the visit, Biden was accompanied by Governor Moore, Secretary Buttigieg, and other Baltimore officials. The president had previously promised full support for Baltimore's rebuilding efforts, with the White House approving $60 million in emergency funding for initial mobilization and debris recovery.

Governor Moore expressed gratitude for the collective support but acknowledged that the path to reconstruction would be complex and challenging. Baltimore faces a long road ahead, and the president continues to lead a whole-of-government approach to responding to the bridge collapse, as stated by White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, which sees an annual traffic volume of 11.3 million vehicles, is a critical artery for the city. The Port of Baltimore, the 17th largest in terms of total tonnage of cargo, generates thousands of direct and indirect jobs, making the bridge's reconstruction a top priority.

To support the local economy during the recovery process, Jean-Pierre mentioned efforts by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to launch two business recovery centers in Baltimore County. These centers will provide support to impacted business owners, helping them complete their disaster loan applications. The Department of Labor is also working with local and state officials to assist workers affected by the port's closure.

The government's focus remains on a unified approach to recovery efforts, supporting ongoing investigations into the incident. Officials have opened a small temporary channel for boats involved in the bridge response, with Biden expressing hope for a fully operational channel by the end of May.

President Biden's visit to the Key Bridge collapse site served as a reaffirmation of the federal government's commitment to Baltimore's recovery. By providing financial support and leading a coordinated response, the administration aims to rebuild the essential bridge and restore normalcy to the city's transportation infrastructure.