Biden’s Visit to Collapsed Baltimore Bridge.

President Joe Biden is set to visit the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on Friday to assess the ongoing cleanup efforts. This collapse has disrupted one of the nation’s main shipping lanes, and various teams including cranes, ships, and diving crews are working to reopen it.

During the visit, Biden will receive updates from the U.S. Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers. The collapse occurred on March 26 when a cargo ship struck the bridge while eight workers, who were immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, or El Salvador, were filling potholes on the bridge. The bodies of six individuals have been reported missing, with only two being recovered so far. Biden plans to meet with the families of the victims.

Officials have already established a temporary channel for vessels to navigate around the debris. The Army Corps of Engineers aims to open a limited-access channel by the end of this month and restore normal capacity to Baltimore’s port by May 31. The economic impact of the disruption is significant, as the port typically handles about $200 million in cargo per day.

The cleanup and reconstruction costs are estimated to be substantial, and the Federal Highway Administration has allocated $60 million in emergency relief funds. Biden has promised full federal funding for the reconstruction of the bridge, but securing congressional support may be a challenge.

The White House has formally requested Congress to authorize the federal government to cover 100% of the costs associated with the bridge collapse. This approach has been used successfully in the past for recovery efforts following disasters like the Minneapolis bridge collapse in 2007.

The collapse of the bridge in Baltimore has added a new layer of complexity to the political landscape, especially as Biden heads into the upcoming election. The incident has put a spotlight on infrastructure funding and the administration’s commitment to rebuilding critical structures.

Despite the challenges, Biden continues to promote the $1 trillion-plus public works package that was passed in 2021, emphasizing the importance of investing in infrastructure for future generations.

The collapse of the Key Bridge has also highlighted the role of Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore, a key figure in Biden’s reelection campaign. Biden has been actively advocating for infrastructure projects and leveraging his experience in transportation and construction to drive support for the public works initiatives.

As Biden assesses the aftermath of the bridge collapse, he reflects on his frequent commutes over the bridge and underscores the urgent need for infrastructure improvements nationwide.