President Joe Biden plans to visit Baltimore this Friday to assess the aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, as per a report by The Hill citing the White House announcement on Monday.
“We stand with you Baltimore, and we’re committed to addressing this,” stated White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre during the announcement.
President Biden affirmed his intention to visit Baltimore alongside Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Following the collapse early Tuesday morning, Biden expressed his determination to arrive at the scene “as swiftly as possible.”
Jean-Pierre underscored Biden’s resolute leadership in coordinating a comprehensive government response to the tragedy. She highlighted the collaborative efforts between Biden and Governor Moore aimed at reopening the affected port and initiating bridge reconstruction.
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The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse on Interstate 695 occurred when the cargo ship Dali collided with it around 1:30 am Tuesday, bound for Sri Lanka, according to The Hill. President Biden firmly committed to supporting the reconstruction efforts, ensuring that the federal government would cover the costs. However, this stance faced opposition from conservative spending advocates. Nevertheless, the Department of Transportation has allocated an initial contribution of USD 16 million, described by Jean-Pierre as a “down payment.”
She affirmed the administration’s ongoing discussions with Congress regarding further assistance, highlighting President Biden’s determination to expedite the bridge’s restoration. Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su convened in Baltimore on Monday for talks with stakeholders, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to aiding the affected community. Additionally, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited Baltimore on the day of the collapse.
Although there is no definitive timeline for the reopening of the Port of Baltimore, officials have cautioned that the bridge reconstruction process will take “some time” to complete, as reported by The Hill.
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