Maryland lawmakers vowed a bipartisan push toward federal rebuilding funds for Baltimore’s collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, with Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) planning to introduce legislation “very soon” enshrining that promise from President Joe Biden into law.
Cardin — flanked by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D), Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the state’s congressional delegation — said the total cost of rebuilding the bridge remained unclear but that the delegation would remain united in pursuing needed funds.
“Tragedy knows no partisanship,” Rep. Andy Harris, the lone GOP member of the state’s delegation, said. “I’m committed to working — because we know that there will be legislation necessary in order to deal with this. … I’m committed to make sure that we navigate this through a bipartisan process through both houses.”
“Maryland should not have to bear a part of the cost,” the Maryland Republican added when asked about resistance from the House Freedom Caucus to funding the rebuilding process.
Cardin, who’s retiring after this Congress, said he’s had positive conversations with Republicans and predicted “traditional, bipartisan” support for relief following a disaster of this scope.
Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) noted the state has four members on the powerful House Appropriations Committee and predicted they would flex their collective muscle to get the funding delivered.
“We will be working tirelessly until we get the sums that are necessary to deal with this,” the former senior House Democratic leader said.
