Collaboration Over Blame: Prioritizing Livelihoods in Baltimore's Bridge Crisis
In the face of a critical bridge situation, it's imperative for all parties to unite swiftly to revive port operations and ensure seamless transportation, emphasizes former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan.
Larry Hogan, who served as Maryland's governor from 2015 to 2023 and is now a Republican candidate for US Senate, shares his own views in this commentary. You can find more opinions on CNN.
In America, despite deep political divisions, there is no red or blue economy. As Congress reconvenes following the recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, leaders from both parties need to understand this reality. The impact of this tragedy extends beyond Baltimore and Maryland, affecting workers and consumers in states with both Republican and Democratic majorities due to the economic repercussions of disrupting one of the country's most vital ports.
Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan
Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan
The collapse on March 26 in the State of Maryland was a tragic event caused by a container ship hitting a bridge pillar. This incident led to the loss of six lives and the destruction of a vital transportation route over the Patapsco River. As a result, debris from the collision blocked the entrance to the Port of Baltimore, which serves as the primary entry point in the United States for sugar, as well as large agricultural and construction equipment such as tractors, farming combines, forklifts, bulldozers, and heavy-duty trucks. It is crucial to ensure that American farmers have access to the necessary equipment they need to plant their crops and feed our country.
The closure of the port has a significant impact on the automobile market in Baltimore, which serves as a key entry point for cars and trucks, handling 850,000 vehicles just last year. This closure not only affects workers and auto dealers but also impacts hard-working families who depend on affordable vehicles. The repercussions of the port closure are already being felt in states like Louisiana and Florida.
The disruptions caused by supply chain challenges are not just a theoretical issue. In recent years, the global pandemic highlighted how supply chain disruptions can lead to hardships and increased prices. While many ports faced bottlenecks during that time, the Port of Baltimore remained operational and even expanded its operations to accommodate the increased demand. However, the closure of this critical national resource, even if temporary, will have far-reaching consequences.
CNN's Anna Coren speaks with Ashanti Martinez, a Maryland State Delegate, about how the Baltimore bridge collapse brings a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of immigrant workers.
CNN's Anna Coren interviews Ashanti Martinez, a Maryland State Delegate, to discuss the Baltimore bridge collapse and its impact on immigrant workers. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by this vulnerable group in the workforce.
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When our nation faces unexpected disasters, Congress has traditionally come together to offer bipartisan support. Disasters do not discriminate between red and blue victims or districts. Unfortunately, in recent years, even disaster relief has become a partisan issue, as seen with the delays in aid approval for victims of Hurricane Sandy. This cannot happen as we recover from the bridge collapse.
There is no time for delays, pointing fingers, or spreading crazy conspiracy theories. It is crucial for rational thinking to prevail. Republicans and Democrats at all levels - local, state, and federal - must set aside their differences and work together to get the job done.
First, it is crucial for leaders to come together and offer immediate financial assistance to the hard-working longshoremen and other port-related employees who are currently unemployed. This support is not a handout but a necessary investment to prevent long-term disruptions. If these skilled workers are forced to look for work elsewhere, it will significantly delay the recovery of the port even after the channel is cleared and reopened in the coming weeks.
Second, it is important to avoid getting sidetracked by unrelated issues that could slow down the funding process for debris removal and the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Rebuilding the bridge is essential for the port's operations and for the flow of Interstate 695 traffic, with millions of vehicles crossing it in 2023. While we should seek the highest possible settlement from the ship operator responsible for the collapse, we must not use this as an excuse for inaction. Our economy cannot afford to wait for a lengthy political or legal battle to be resolved before moving forward with the reconstruction efforts.
Third, it is crucial for Congress to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and streamline the environmental and Endangered Species Act review process to expedite the reconstruction of the bridge. There are concerns that excessive red tape could delay the project by several years, which is not acceptable. Back in 2022, during my time leading Maryland, we successfully completed the construction of the new Nice-Middleton Bridge over the Potomac River. This bridge is comparable in size to the Francis Scott Key Bridge, and we were able to finish it under budget and ahead of schedule.
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We must not allow political, legal, or regulatory delays to hinder the construction of a bridge that is crucial to our economy. It's important to follow all environmental and safety regulations, but we should prevent activist groups from causing unnecessary delays and getting the project stuck in lengthy legal battles.
There is a proven example of a bipartisan approach with minimal obstacles. Back in August 2007, the I-35W Mississippi River bridge in Minneapolis collapsed, resulting in the tragic death of 13 individuals. However, the House and Senate quickly passed legislation, which was signed into law by President George W. Bush, to provide funding for the bridge's reconstruction with a streamlined permitting process. Within just 13 months, the bridge was rebuilt and back in operation.
Recovering from a disaster wasn't about politics back then, and it shouldn't be now. It's important to put aside partisan differences, hold both parties responsible, and focus on taking action to protect livelihoods and our economy. Marylanders and the nation expect leaders to work together for the greater good. This goes beyond politics - we succeed or fail as one nation. The Francis Scott Key Bridge needs to be rebuilt quickly.
Editor's P/S:
The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse has had a devastating impact on the economy, disrupting supply chains and affecting industries across the country. The closure of the Port of Baltimore, a vital entry point for goods, has halted the flow of essential supplies and equipment, impacting farmers, auto dealers, and consumers alike. The article underscores the urgent need for bipartisan cooperation to address the crisis.
Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan calls for rational thinking and unity to expedite the recovery process. He emphasizes the importance of providing financial assistance to affected workers, streamlining bureaucratic processes, and avoiding political delays. Hogan cites the successful reconstruction of the Nice-Middleton Bridge as an example of how bipartisanship and efficiency can lead to timely project completion. He urges lawmakers to prioritize the needs of the economy and the well-being of citizens over political differences.
