Rick Scott trolled for saying Biden 'playing politics' over Baltimore Bridge despite GOP opposing relief

WASHINGTON, DC: GOP Senator Rick Scott has urged the government to "come together" to support the recovery of the Baltimore bridge, accusing President Joe Biden's administration of "playing politics" with the relief, reported The Hill.

"I know that it's going to take a lot of work. But this should be an issue that we all come together [on]. Unfortunately, the Biden administration's played politics," the Senator from Florida said, speaking to Fox News on Sunday, March 31.

The  Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed on March 26 after being struck by Dali, a 984-foot Singapore-flagged cargo ship.

The accident killed six construction workers, and the steel structure tumbled into the Patapsco River seconds after the collision. It is still unclear when the bridge will be reopened as the Port of Baltimore's entrance is blocked due to the wreckage.

Rick Scott blames Biden administration

Blaming the Biden administration for resorting to political games instead of relief provisions, Scott added, "I still have Florida farmers from a year and a half ago that still aren't getting relief. So the federal government is a partner, and the federal government needs to be a partner. But we need to stop playing politics, and that's exactly what the Biden administration has done."

Contradicting the GOP senator's accusations, President Biden has pledged to reconstruct the bridge quickly, adding that he expects the federal government to bear the bill for the "entire reconstructing" process.

In addition, the Department of Transportation (DOT) approved $60 million as a "down payment toward initial costs."

On Sunday, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg confirmed that the amount was from the DOT's emergency relief program. He further expressed his hope of bipartisan support since Congress should approve any additional relief.

However, the lawmakers are already divided on bridge relief, with Democrats lauding Biden's vow for relief and conservative spending hawks claiming it would spike the national debt.

"The very thought of having the Federal Government pay for the Baltimore bridge is TOTALLY ABSURD!! This exemplifies the old slogan 'ROBBING PETER TO PAY PAUL!!'" GOP Rep Ralph Norman told The Hill. 

According to federal officials, reconstruction of the bridge would cost around $2 billion.

Internet blasts Rick Scott

Netizens lashed out at Scott's call for governmental unity, reminding him of Republican lawmakers' opposition to the Biden administration's decision to send relief funds to rebuild the Baltimore Bridge.

One user labeled the senator "Delusional",while another person wrote, "Are you kidding me?! It's the GOP who's doing it that!" 

"Biden: Let's come together and get this fixed ASAP. Republicans: No way. Scott: We should come together, except that Biden won't let us. I mean, does he even hear himself?" questioned a third user.

A fourth response read, "So Rick Scott decides to play politics," and another user added, "Scott is a vile human."

"If @POTUSalready offered to pay for the project, how is that playing politics?? @SenRickScott- who serves in DC - should concentrate on fraud and taking the 5th," someone else opined.

An individual slammed Scott, saying, "Really, did you NOT hear Biden say the gov will do everything possible to open the port & rebuild? Where were you? Stop the effing lies!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.