Maryland lawmakers will introduce bill to rebuild bridge

By Anthony Adragna | 04/09/2024 04:16 PM EDT

“Tragedy knows no partisanship,” said Maryland Republican Rep. Andy Harris during a press conference at the Capitol.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore speaks alongside members of the Maryland congressional delegation during a press conference.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) speaks alongside members of the state's congressional delegation during a press conference Tuesday at the Capitol. Francis Chung/POLITICO

Maryland lawmakers vowed a bipartisan push toward federal rebuilding funds for Baltimore’s collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, with Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin planning to introduce legislation “very soon” enshrining that promise from President Joe Biden into law.

Cardin — flanked by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D), Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the state’s congressional delegation — said the total cost of rebuilding the bridge remained unclear but that the delegation would remain united in pursuing needed funds.

“Tragedy knows no partisanship,” Rep. Andy Harris, the lone GOP member of the delegation, said. “I’m committed to working — because we know that there will be legislation necessary in order to deal with this. … I’m committed to make sure that we navigate this through a bipartisan process through both houses.

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“Maryland should not have to bear a part of the cost,” the Maryland Republican added when asked about resistance from the House Freedom Caucus to funding the rebuilding process.

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