In a display of solidarity and support, President Joe Biden visited Baltimore on Friday to address the devastating aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. The tragic incident, which occurred on March 26, sent shockwaves through the city, disrupting traffic and commerce in the state of Maryland.

President Biden began his visit by surveying the wreckage from a helicopter, gaining a bird's-eye view of the destruction. He later met with local officials to receive a comprehensive briefing on the situation. The collapse occurred when the Dali, a Singapore-flagged container ship, collided with one of the bridge's main supports. Tragically, six construction workers fell into the Patapsco River below and lost their lives in the incident.

Expressing his condolences and solidarity, President Biden addressed the audience gathered at the bridge, stating, "I've come here to grieve with you. The damage is devastating, and our hearts are still breaking." He emphasized that all six of the workers who lost their lives were Marylanders, with most being immigrants.

During the visit, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, a Democrat, conveyed his appreciation for President Biden's moral and financial support. Stating that the people of Maryland are grateful to have a partner like President Biden in this effort, Governor Moore commended the president's resilience and determination to rebuild. He described President Biden as embodying the spirit of being "Maryland tough and Baltimore strong."

President Biden was briefed on the underwater situation by Brigadier General John Lloyd of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. General Lloyd characterized the submerged debris as a "mangled mess." The president was shown a 3D scan of the underwater wreckage, providing him with a deeper understanding of the scale of the damage.

Addressing the financial aspect of rebuilding the bridge, President Biden asserted that the federal government should bear the entire reconstruction cost. However, the approval of Congress will be needed to move forward with this plan. While the exact cost remains uncertain, some Republicans have expressed opposition to the federal government shouldering the bill.

To aid the immediate cleanup efforts, the Biden administration has approved $60 million in federal aid. Additionally, the White House Office of Management and Budget director, Shalanda Young, wrote to Congress, urging lawmakers to authorize a 100 percent federal cost share for the bridge's reconstruction. Young pointed to Congress's previous bipartisan action following the 2007 collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minnesota as a precedent for similar funding.

Next Tuesday, Maryland's congressional delegation, along with Governor Wes Moore and Director Shalanda Young, will convene to discuss emergency funding for Baltimore and the city's response to the bridge collapse.

While a temporary channel has opened for some water traffic this week, the reconstruction of the bridge is expected to take several years, as it is a vital artery for the city, state, and the Northeast corridor. The collapse has had a significant impact on the local economy, with approximately 35,000 daily commuters needing to find alternate, longer, and more congested routes.

President Biden assured the people of Baltimore that they can count on the government's unwavering support throughout the rebuilding process. He declared, "You're Maryland tough, you're Baltimore strong, and we're going to get through this together. I promise we're not leaving." The president aims to reopen the full channel by the end of May, symbolizing the restoration of normalcy and resilience to the city's transportation network.

As the nation rallies behind Baltimore in the wake of this tragic event, the collective efforts of local, state, and federal authorities will work to heal, rebuild, and ensure the safety and prosperity of the Baltimore community in the years to come.