'We will not rest': Biden visits Baltimore Bridge collapse site, announces further federal assistance

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: President Joe Biden flew to Baltimore on Friday, April 5, to survey the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and announce additional federal financial support to help turn around the local economy, reported CBS News.

The tragedy took place on March 26, when the cargo ship Dali hit one of the bridge's main support piers causing it to crash into the Patapsco River, killing 6 construction workers present on the structure.

POTUS surveyed the devastation from his Marine One helicopter, received a briefing from local officials, as well as interacted with the families of the deceased on Friday.

President Joe Biden's statement

"I've come here to grieve with you," Biden told the residents of the area, before announcing the first set of grants for dislocated workers to help replace jobs affected by the collapse. He urged businesses to keep workers on the payroll despite the financial setback, claiming the full channel will reopen by the end of May.

According to POTUS, the federal government should pay for the entire cost of the bridge's reconstruction, pending the approval of Congress. The administration has already approved $60 million in immediate aid to help clean the wreckage.

"My vow is that we will not rest ... until the cement has dried on the entirety of a new bridge," he shared.

Biden further stated that the federal government would provide $8 million in grant funds for infrastructure improvements at Sparrows Point, the only port that remained unaffected in the disaster, to allow more ships to be received.

"We're coming back. We're coming back soon," he promised, stating that his administration would "move heaven and earth to rebuild this bridge as rapidly as humanly possible."

Internet reacts to Joe Biden's statements

"Wow that was quick. Took him a year to get to East Palestine Ohio. I guess an election year makes him suddenly take his job more seriously," commented a user on X in response to Biden's remarks.

"Look at this bridge, it’s in better shape than joe," mocked another.

"A whopping embarrassment as usual," jibed one user.

"This is the Insurance company's issue, NOT THE TAXPAYERS," commented another.

"You responded quicker because you view Baltimore as potential voters," noted one more user.

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.