December 18th, 2024 by WCBC Radio

U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) released the following joint statement on the Continuing Resolution and cost-share provisions for the replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore:

“Following the tragic collapse of the Key Bridge in Baltimore in March, we led a federal response that was both immediate and all-encompassing. Working alongside Governor Wes Moore, Congressman Kweisi Mfume, and Team Maryland, this all-hands-on-deck approach was necessary to face a catastrophe of the magnitude we experienced in Baltimore on March 26. Since that day, we have fought to deliver the full support of the federal government — including 100 percent federal funding for the replacement of the bridge.

“With the inclusion in the Continuing Resolution of our Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act, Congress is now committed to covering the full cost of replacing the bridge. This will allow the bridge it to be built as quickly as possible. Our provision also ensures that the federal taxpayers will be reimbursed through proceeds from insurance payments and litigation taken on by the Department of Justice, the Maryland Attorney General and others. This legislation also includes critical funding for the Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief Fund to provide this project and others around the country with the resources they need. We were proud to work alongside the governor and Senate and House leadership to secure Congress’s recognition of the severity of this national disaster and the essential role the federal government should play in the response and the rebuilding.”