The House Freedom Caucus is calling for federal funds allocated to rebuild Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge to be offset by cuts elsewhere and used solely for structural repairs. The conservative Republican group wants Congress to ensure maximum liability from foreign shipping companies and urges the Port of Baltimore to utilize existing federal funds before seeking emergency supplemental funding.
The Freedom Caucus insists that any taxpayer money allocated for the bridge reconstruction must be fully offset and free from burdensome regulations to avoid delays and additional costs. They emphasize that the funding should be limited to physical structure repairs with a federal connection to prevent unrelated projects from being included in the bill.
Rep. Andy Harris, a member of the Freedom Caucus, has raised concerns about the impact of the bridge collapse on the Port of Baltimore and the need to lift the Biden administration’s pause on LNG export permits before considering funding for the bridge reconstruction.
While the Freedom Caucus is pushing for these conditions, a bipartisan effort is expected to support a targeted funding package for the bridge and its operations. The collapse of the bridge, caused by a container ship accident, resulted in the tragic loss of six construction workers.
House Rules Committee Chairman Tom Cole anticipates that a funding package for the bridge will come together in a matter of weeks. He acknowledges the complexity of the situation, noting potential damages related to the port's traffic interruption and operational challenges that may persist for several weeks.
House Republicans have expressed mixed opinions on President Biden’s commitment to cover the entire reconstruction cost. Despite the differing views, bipartisan support is likely for a funding package aimed at restoring the Francis Scott Key Bridge and addressing the impact on the Port of Baltimore.
