President Joe Biden is set to visit Baltimore amidst discussions about supplemental funding for the Francis Scott Key bridge disaster. However, the far-right House Freedom Caucus has outlined a series of stringent demands that could complicate the process of securing emergency aid in the GOP-controlled House.
The Freedom Caucus is insisting on exploring maximum liability from foreign shipping companies as a primary step before agreeing to federal funds. Additionally, they are calling for the Port of Baltimore to utilize existing federal funds before seeking additional assistance.
Furthermore, the group is adamant that any funding provided should be strictly allocated for physical structure repairs only. They have also made it clear that they want the Biden administration to lift the pause on LNG exports as part of the deal.
On the other hand, the Biden administration is urging Congress to authorize the federal government to cover 100% of the costs associated with reconstructing the bridge. This request aligns with the administration's commitment to swiftly address the aftermath of the disaster and ensure the bridge is restored to its former state.
As discussions unfold between the House Freedom Caucus and the Biden administration, the fate of the supplemental funding remains uncertain. The differing demands and priorities of the two parties highlight the challenges that lie ahead in reaching a consensus on the aid package.
