'Infrastructure is a bipartisan priority': Pete Buttigieg calls for united front following Baltimore bridge collapse

NEW YORPete ButtigiegK CITY, NEW YORK: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg took to X (formerly Twitter) to call for bipartisan support on the issue of the construction and maintenance of infrastructures on Monday, April 1.

His message came in light of the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on March 26, brought about by a cargo ship, Dali, crashing into one of the support pillars.

The salvage operation is underway at the site of the accident that claimed the lives of 6 construction workers, BBC reported.

Pete Buttigieg calls for a united front among all parties

"Infrastructure must remain a bipartisan priority. And right now, we need to stand together — red, blue, and purple — to support the people of Baltimore," Buttigieg wrote in his post on X.

He also shared a clip of himself at a press conference in the White House, where he says, "Infrastructure is, or at least ought to be, a bipartisan priority."

"I know that partisanship has gotten in the way of some important functions and expenditures. But I would also note that the infrastructure package that was passed is known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for a reason," he continued.

"Some - not all - Republicans crossed the aisle to work with President Biden and work with Democrats and get this done," he continues. "It is our hope that that same spirit will prevail here," Buttigieg said.

"And I would also remind any member who might find themselves on the fence when this - when any request that might come through materializes that, you know, today, this is happening in Baltimore; tomorrow, it could be your district. And we really need to stand together - red, blue, and purple - to get these things done," he added.

Internet reacts to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg's tweet

While Buttigieg wanted lawmakers to come together, netizens were more interested in having the shipping company that Dali belonged to pay for the damages in Baltimore instead of the government using taxpayer dollars.

"Please explain how the ship owners will be held responsible. Baltimore needs its bridge, but the government isn’t responsible for knocking it down. Let the taxpayer get good governance for once," wrote a social media user.

"The ships owners and insurers should be payiing the bill not the U.S, Taxpayers!" exclaimed another.

"Why isn’t the shipping company paying for the new bridge? They’re the ones who took it out, they should pay to put it back," stated one person.

"Never allow a crisis to past without asking for more wasteful spending money," wrote another.

"Get the insurance, sell the bonds and build the bridge, that is what has happened year after for decades! Now federal government has moved in and is giving away money it does not have, hoping to make it of the backs of citizens through inflation and higher tax revenues! Sad of U!" one individual tweeted.

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