Biden Again Calls on Congress to Support Baltimore
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President Joe Biden urged lawmakers to approve funds for rebuilding the Port of Baltimore area during Congress’ post-election work period.
Speaking to supporters at the port to announce investments in commercial transportation and electric energy infrastructure, Biden took aim at congressional funding leaders, insisting they assist in upcoming reconstruction projects at the port.
“We won’t stop until the new bridge is finished completely,” Biden told the crowd Oct. 29, seven months after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed. For emphasis, the president added: “I call on Congress to fully fund it this year before we go out — this year.”
The White House has requested about $3 billion for rebuilding the bridge. The Republican-led House and the Democratic-led Senate have yet to approve long-term aid for the Charm City’s bridge project. The Federal Highway Administration has provided Maryland with $60 million in emergency aid.
Happening Now: President Biden delivers remarks on how his Investing in America agenda is rebuilding our infrastructure, creating good paying union jobs, and tackling the climate crisis. https://t.co/fgWH6SM33r — The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 29, 2024
Congress is scheduled to resume its legislative agenda as early as the week of Nov. 11. A priority for lawmakers is approving fiscal 2025 funding bills. For the Department of Transportation and other agencies, budget authority expires Dec. 20.
Maryland officials have repeatedly urged federal policymakers to approve emergency assistance meant to improve the region’s freight operations. Gov. Wes Moore (D) spoke before Biden at the event. “The Port of Baltimore will continue to lead in the transportation of cars and farm equipment,” the governor said. “The Port of Baltimore will continue to lead in the import and export of billions of dollars of cargo every single year.”
On Capitol Hill, the Old Line State delegation has proposed legislation that would facilitate funds for rebuilding and rehabilitating the port. This bipartisan Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act awaits a vote in the chambers.
🚢 We are proud to announce that our #CleanPorts Program has selected 55 applications to receive nearly $3 billion for zero-emissions technology and planning at U.S. ports in 27 states and territories.
🔗https://t.co/qW7uUkYEte#CleanPortsProgram #EnvironmentalJustice pic.twitter.com/oZEZtSZ5aS — U.S. EPA (@EPA) October 29, 2024
“We must continue to work together to strengthen the Port of Baltimore and ensure environmental justice for all Marylanders,” observed Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), a co-sponsor and senior member of the House caucus. Hoyer and fellow Marylanders in Congress also touted the Biden administration’s announcement of $147 million for the Maryland Port Administration. The funds seek to facilitate the installation of zero-emission port equipment.
Overall, $3 billion that was approved by the Inflation Reduction Act will be used to upgrade port operations and infrastructure. As Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), chairman of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, explained: “This new federal funding will support the Port of Baltimore’s transition to electric infrastructure as part of its plans to reduce emissions — both bolstering the port’s growth and improving air quality for nearby communities.”
The Port of Baltimore is the Gateway to America.
The Port will continue to lead in the transportation of cars and farm equipment, import and export of billions of dollars in cargo, and thanks to @POTUS, the Port of Baltimore will now be a leader in the clean energy transition. pic.twitter.com/qNEW220jFG — Governor Wes Moore (@GovWesMoore) October 29, 2024
“As exemplified by this compelling announcement, the historic Inflation Reduction Act continues to tackle the climate crisis with fierce urgency right here in Baltimore,” added Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), ranking member of the Government Operations and the Federal Workforce Subcommittee.
According to background information the White House provided, the funds will “support the purchase of battery-electric and hydrogen-powered human-operated and human-maintained equipment, including over 1,500 units of cargo handling equipment, 1,000 drayage trucks, 10 locomotives and 20 vessels, as well as shore power systems for oceangoing vessels, battery-electric and hydrogen vehicle charging and fueling infrastructure, and solar power generation.”
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Specific to Baltimore, the White House added, “The port is a major economic engine for the region, providing thousands of jobs and contributing billions of dollars to the local economy — and this new investment will support over 2,000 jobs, including more than 350 manufacturing jobs.”
On March 26, six construction workers were killed after a containership struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge. A National Transportation Safety Board investigation is ongoing.
