ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Wes Moore today hosted members of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, Biden-Harris Administration’s Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young, senior U.S. Department of Transportation officials, and executives from the Moore-Miller Administration to tour the Francis Scott Key Bridge recovery and salvage operations underway in Baltimore. The tour provided an opportunity for key members of Congress to learn more from Unified Command about their progress, in addition to seeing firsthand the devastation caused by the collision of the vessel Dali when it struck the bridge in the early morning of March 26.

“The collapse of the Key Bridge isn't just about Maryland - it's about our country, our people, and our economy. Everyone has a role in helping us fully reopen the Port of Baltimore and rebuild the bridge," said Gov. Moore. "Maryland is grateful for the partnership of leaders from both sides of the aisle and all levels of government, who have raised their hands to help us respond to a tragedy of national importance. We can - and we will - rebuild, together.”

Securing federal funding to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Brid-fundamental to restoring the traffic system for the greater Baltimore region and principal route for all hazardous materials traveling along the I-95 corridor-is critical to addressing the economic, social and community impacts felt across the state, region, and country since the bridge collapsed. Governor Moore has repeatedly engaged with Maryland’s federal delegation and critical members of Congress to help ensure full federal support to rebuild.

Tour participants first received a briefing from Unified Command, Biden-Harris Administration’s Office of Management and Budget, and the Maryland Department of Transportation about recovery, salvage, and investigation status updates, in addition to general information about port operations and infrastructure. Following the briefing, participants embarked on vessels to view channel recovery efforts.

Members of the Congressional delegation in attendance today included:

-          Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK), Chair, House Appropriations Committee

-          Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Ranking Member, House Appropriations Committee

-          Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR), Chair, Transportation-HUD Subcommittee, House Appropriations Committee

-          Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL), Ranking Member, Transportation-HUD Subcommittee, House Appropriations Committee

-          Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), Chair, Agriculture Subcommittee, House Appropriations Committee

-          Rep. Chuck Fleischman (R-TN), Chair, Energy & Water Subcommittee, House Appropriations Committee

-          Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Ranking Member, Energy and Water Subcommittee, House Appropriations Committee

-          Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD)

-          Rep. David Trone (D-MD)

-          Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA)

-          Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC)

-          Rep. John H. Rutherford (R-FL)

“As appropriators and local community leaders, it is vital that we understand the magnitude of this situation and determine the best path forward. In the near term, we are focused on recovery efforts, rebuilding costs, and ensuring port operations are fully resumed," said the delegation of House Appropriations Committee members. "We continue to send our condolences to the families who’ve suffered immeasurable loss and are grateful to the first responders who quickly responded in the face of tragedy. We remain committed to navigating this situation together.”