Dear Constituent,

Yesterday, I, along with the Maryland Congressional Delegation, made good on our commitment to America and our State by introducing the Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act in both the U.S. House and Senate to build back the Francis Scott Key Bridge and build it better.

CLICK HERE or above to view Congressman Mfume’s remarks. 

This bicameral, bipartisan legislation would authorize the federal government to fully fund the replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and its approaches in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Anne Arundel County. There is also a liability section in the Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act that restates a preexisting regulation requiring the federal government to be reimbursed if a state receives any compensation from insurance claims or any other source related to the bridge collapse.

The collision between the Dali, a large 985-foot cargo ship weighing 95,000 tons when empty, and the Francis Scott Key Bridge was an unthinkable horror that claimed the lives of six men: 

Dorlian Castillo Cabrera
Miguel Luna
Maynor Suazo Sandoval
Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes
Carlos Hernandez
Jose Mynor Lopez

They leave behind six grieving families who can never get enough of our condolences, our prayers, or our sympathies.

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has also forced the Port of Baltimore to suspend vessel traffic until further notice. We cannot minimize the billions of dollars that flow into and out of the Port each year.

In addition, around 8,000 people, many of whom are union members of the International Longshoremen’s Association, have had their jobs at the Port of Baltimore facility disrupted due to this collapse. 

Congressman Mfume addresses International Longshoremen’s Association.

Thousands more work nearby and rely on the Port, including employees at small businesses in the greater Baltimore region. 

Congressman Mfume visits Business Recovery Center for a roundtable with small businesses impacted by Key Bridge collapse.  

Evidently, this tragedy is one of local and national importance for all of America.

Since the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the Maryland Congressional Delegation has acted with unity, collectedness, precision, and promise. A disaster of this scale requires nothing less than the full and total cooperation of all parties involved.

I urge my colleagues from every corner of America to join me in voting to pass this legislation swiftly. 

Sincerely,

Kweisi Mfume
Member of Congress