The Maryland congressional delegation said it expects to introduce bipartisan legislation to include federal funding to rebuild the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge during a joint press conference on Capitol Hill on Tuesday.

Sens. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) stood alongside the rest of the congressional delegation and with Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD) and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at the Capitol and pledged to utilize every tool available to secure the federal resources necessary to recover and rebuild the bridge which collapsed at the end of last month. 

“The support of the federal government and the support of Congress is also going to be imperative in this,” Moore said. “I just want to say on behalf of 6.3 million people that we appreciate it, it will never be forgotten, and we plan on being part of this with you every step of the way forward.” 

The lawmakers said it remains unclear how much funding it would take to rebuild the bridge, but they would remain steadfast in pursuing the money needed. 

“The experts don’t know the range right now. It depends on the design of the bridge, the modern technology, to make sure it protects — there’s been a 3,000% increase since 1975, when this bridge was constructed, in regards to the amount of traffic cargo that goes through the channel itself. It needs to meet the current needs in regard to the structure, height, etc.,” Cardin said. 

“That’s being evaluated as we speak. The commitment is to make sure the Key Bridge is replaced, replaced with a bridge that represents the modern capacities for a bridge of this type, with the type of vehicle traffic and over a very active channel, and those costs will be reviewed,” he said.

 CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

President Joe Biden pledged the federal government will pay the full cost of rebuilding the bridge. However, members of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus are demanding that the federal funds allocated to rebuild the bridge be offset by cuts elsewhere. Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), the only Republican member of the state delegation, said he is committed to making sure the process of allocating the funding is done in a bipartisan manner.

“There is no debate about cost share. In this tragedy, Maryland should not bear any part of the cost. That’s going to be the first focus of legislation that comes through,” Harris said. “Tragedy knows no partisanship.”