In response to the tragic collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge last month, a group of members of Congress from Maryland unveiled legislation on Thursday to secure federal funds for the reconstruction and repair of the bridge. The bridge suffered extensive damage when a container ship collided with one of its main supports, resulting in the loss of six construction workers and the bridge's plunge into the Patapsco River on March 26.

The Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act, a two-page bill introduced by Maryland Democratic Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, along with Rep. Kweisi Mfume and other members of the state's congressional delegation, aims to have the federal government cover 100% of the costs associated with replacing the bridge. President Biden expressed his support for the federal government taking on the entire cost of reconstruction, and he expects Congress to back the effort.

The bill is designed to expedite the reopening of the Port of Baltimore shipping channel and the construction of a new bridge that meets modern-day commerce and travel needs, according to Senator Cardin. He emphasized that the federal government is typically responsible for covering 90% of the cost for such projects, but in catastrophic events like this, the funding has been adjusted in the past to cover 100%.

Following the collapse, the federal government has already released $60 million in emergency relief funding, and President Biden recently announced additional federal financial support to help revive the city's economy. The exact cost of the recovery and rebuilding effort is still unknown, causing some lawmakers to express concerns about approving upfront federal funds without holding third parties accountable for the damage. However, the administration emphasizes the urgency of taking swift action while ensuring reimbursement of recovery costs to taxpayers in the future.

Senator Cardin expressed optimism about the bipartisan support for the bill, highlighting the national impact of the tragedy. He noted that communities across the country rely on funds from the Department of Transportation to address emergency situations and replenishing those funds has been a bipartisan effort.

Maryland Republican Rep. Andy Harris echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that tragedy transcends partisanship and committed to working across party lines to shepherd the legislation through both chambers of Congress. Maryland Governor Wes Moore also stressed the need for a collective and bipartisan response to the rebuilding of the bridge, recognizing the national implications of the tragedy.

As discussions continue, lawmakers are determined to ensure that federal funding is secured to reconstruct the Francis Scott Key Bridge and restore vital transportation infrastructure in Baltimore. The rehabilitation of the bridge is seen as crucial not only for regional but also national interests.