President Joe Biden visited Baltimore on Friday to assess the cleanup and reconstruction efforts at the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge. The collapse, which occurred last week and resulted in the deaths of six workers, has disrupted one of the nation's main shipping lanes.
Arriving aboard Marine One, Biden surveyed the wreckage from above before receiving a briefing from local officials, the US Coast Guard, and the Army Corps of Engineers. He also met with police officers who helped prevent further casualties by blocking traffic to the bridge before it collapsed.
During his visit, Biden expressed solidarity with the affected community, assuring them that the nation stands behind them in their recovery efforts. He also spent time with the families of the victims, acknowledging the devastating impact of the tragedy.
Efforts to clear the debris and restore shipping operations are underway, with temporary measures already in place to accommodate vessels. The Army Corps of Engineers aims to establish a limited-access channel for certain types of ships by the end of the month, with full port capacity expected to be restored by May 31.
Biden announced that major employers affected by the collapse, such as Amazon and Home Depot, have pledged to continue paying their employees until normal operations resume. However, the total cost of cleanup and reconstruction remains uncertain, with estimates suggesting it could exceed $400 million.
The Biden administration is seeking congressional authorization to cover the entire cost of recovery, drawing comparisons to previous disaster relief efforts. However, some Republican lawmakers are demanding offsets for the funding, potentially complicating the approval process.
Despite the challenges ahead, Biden remains committed to addressing the aftermath of the collapse and promoting infrastructure investments. The incident has also raised the profile of Maryland's Democratic Governor Wes Moore, who joined Biden during his visit to Baltimore.
As recovery efforts continue, Biden's visit underscores the importance of infrastructure resilience and the need for federal support in times of crisis.
