President Joe Biden made a solemn visit to the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, where he pledged to spare no effort in rebuilding the structure after it collapsed last month. The visit, reported by The Hill, saw President Biden vow to “move heaven and Earth” to reconstruct the bridge as swiftly as possible.
Addressing the gathered crowd, President Biden emphasized, “Folks, we’re going to move heaven and Earth to rebuild this bridge as rapidly as humanly possible.” He made it clear that the reconstruction efforts would prioritize union labor and American steel, ensuring that the bridge is restored with quality materials and craftsmanship.
The President expressed heartfelt sympathy for the devastation caused by the bridge collapse, which claimed the lives of six individuals. “The damage is devastating, and our hearts are still breaking,” Biden remarked, standing against the backdrop of the collapsed bridge.
During his visit, President Biden also took an aerial tour of the wreckage, surveying the extent of the damage firsthand. He shared personal anecdotes about his ties to Baltimore, recalling the numerous times he had driven over the bridge in the past.
Reopening the Baltimore Port, a vital hub for trade along the East Coast, was highlighted as a top priority for the administration. President Biden assured that authorities are working diligently to reopen the entire shipping channel by the end of May, ensuring minimal disruption to trade.
In addition to addressing the immediate challenges posed by the bridge collapse, President Biden also met with families of the victims who lost their lives in the tragic incident. The White House revealed that top administration officials have been in touch with major employers in the Baltimore area, urging them to retain workers during this challenging period.
The closure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has had significant ramifications for trade, particularly in commodities like coal and cobalt. Baltimore’s ports, typically bustling with activity, have seen a sharp decline in shipments following the bridge collapse. This closure is anticipated to impact US coal exports to key destinations such as India, China, Canada, and the Netherlands.
Furthermore, Baltimore’s ports were a crucial destination for US imports of unwrought primary aluminum in 2023, further complicating the trade landscape. The closure has necessitated the rerouting of container traffic to other ports in New York, New Jersey, and Norfolk, Virginia, adding logistical challenges to shipping operations.
President Biden’s visit to the Francis Scott Key Bridge site underscored the gravity of the situation and his commitment to supporting Baltimore residents through this challenging period. As efforts continue to rebuild the bridge and restore normalcy to the region’s trade operations, the President urged Congress to play its part in addressing the fallout from the bridge collapse.
