House Rules Committee Chairman Tom Cole has indicated that a funding package to assist with the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, which resulted in the presumed deaths of six construction workers, could begin to take shape in a matter of weeks. Discussions are ongoing regarding the role that Congress will play in the funding package, which may extend beyond just the reconstruction of the bridge. The House Appropriations Committee, under Cole’s subcommittee on transportation, would likely have to approve any funding for the bridge collapse, with Cole stating that they stand ready to work closely with federal and state officials. The Department of Transportation has the ability to provide resources for immediate needs, such as debris removal and emergency expenses.
The timeline for Congress to begin working on a funding package is uncertain and may depend on various factors, such as whether the package will be tied to other legislation or if it will stand alone. Cole emphasized the need to ensure that all aspects of the damage and related costs are included in the funding package and that determining the congressional committees of jurisdiction could also take some time. Maryland representatives, including Rep. John Sarbanes and Rep. Andy Harris, are pushing for quick congressional action to provide essential funds to the families and communities affected by the bridge collapse. Harris expressed concern about potential regulatory restrictions adding to the costs of reconstruction and suggested considering waiving some environmental and labor regulations to expedite the process.
The Maryland House members prefer that the funding package for the bridge collapse not be linked to unrelated legislation in order to expedite the process and address the immediate needs of the affected families and communities. Rep. Andy Harris warned against committing funding until potential regulatory restrictions could be addressed to streamline the reconstruction process and reduce costs. House Rules Committee Chairman Tom Cole indicated that it is likely the funding package will focus solely on the bridge collapse and not include unrelated measures. While the exact cost of rebuilding the bridge is unclear, reports suggest it could be at least $2 billion. The White House, Department of Transportation, and Speaker Mike Johnson’s office did not provide comments on the estimated cost of reconstruction.
Overall, the funding package for the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore is expected to take shape in the coming weeks, with discussions ongoing about the extent of Congress’s involvement and the potential costs involved. Maryland representatives are advocating for quick congressional action to provide necessary funds to the affected families and communities, while also considering ways to streamline the reconstruction process and reduce costs by addressing regulatory restrictions. House Rules Committee Chairman Tom Cole anticipates that the funding package will focus solely on the bridge collapse and may not include unrelated measures, with the exact cost of rebuilding the bridge still undetermined.
