Staff Reports
President Biden’s reaction to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has sparked criticism from Republican lawmaker Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA). Meuser blasted Biden’s initial response to the incident, accusing him of hastily pledging federal funds for the bridge’s repair without proper consideration.
Republican @RepMeuser blasts Biden’s first reaction to Baltimore bridge collapse: ‘No thought. Just spend’ https://t.co/NIVSSGkT7A https://t.co/NIVSSGkT7A
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) March 29, 2024
During a fiery interview with Fox News’s Maria Bartiromo, Meuser condemned Biden’s promise to fund the entire bridge repair using federal money as “outrageous.” He asserted that the federal government cannot simply take the easy route of spending taxpayer dollars without thoughtful consideration. Meuser expressed his concerns over the immediate inclination to spend without exploring alternative funding options.
In response to the bridge collapse, Meuser proposed seeking funds from the government of Singapore, where the cargo ship Dali, responsible for the collision, is registered. This stance reflects his belief that the United States should actively pursue alternative avenues for financing the bridge’s reconstruction.
Biden’s assertion that the federal government would foot the entire reconstruction bill added fuel to the fire. The president emphasized his expectation of congressional support for the ambitious project. Meuser, however, remained skeptical of Biden’s approach, urging a more comprehensive examination of funding options rather than relying solely on American taxpayer dollars.
The total cost of repairing and restoring the bridge remains uncertain, with federal officials estimating it could reach up to $2 billion. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg disclosed that roughly $950 million in authorized emergency funds are available, leaving the remainder contingent on congressional approval.
In the midst of this, the cause of the bridge collapse, attributed to the Dali’s collision, remains under investigation. The tragic incident led to the loss of six lives and the injury of two individuals. Furthermore, the collapse has caused the closure of the Port of Baltimore, with the diverted traffic exerting significant economic pressure on the surrounding community.
Rep. Meuser’s outspoken disapproval of President Biden’s swift commitment of federal funds underscores the conservative approach to fiscal responsibility. The clash over funding the bridge reconstruction sets the stage for a broader debate on prudent financial management and cautious decision-making in the face of a national tragedy.
