Biden Plans Visit to Baltimore After Deadly Collapse of Francis Scott Key Bridge

President Biden's Visit to Baltimore

President Biden confirmed his plans to visit Baltimore next week following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. He announced this to reporters after attending a star-studded fundraiser in New York City with former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. The Biden administration approved immediate federal aid of $60 million to help clean up the wreckage caused by a cargo container ship colliding with the bridge, resulting in the loss of six lives.

Emergency Federal Aid for Cleanup

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated that the federal emergency funds released will aid Maryland in urgent cleanup efforts, with further resources to follow as recovery and rebuilding progress. President Biden emphasized the federal government's commitment to covering the full cost of reconstructing the bridge, especially considering the economic impact of the Port of Baltimore's closure. The reopening of the port, a crucial shipping route that supports thousands of jobs, is currently underway.

Support for Baltimore

President Biden expressed solidarity with the people of Baltimore, assuring them of the government's unwavering support. He stated, "We're with you, and we're going to stay with you as long as it takes."

For more information about the Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, please visit cbsnews.com.

Caitlin Yilek is a politics reporter at cbsnews.com and is based in Washington, D.C. She previously worked for the Washington Examiner and The Hill, and was a member of the 2022 Paul Miller Washington Reporting Fellowship with the National Press Foundation.