"High-Stakes Summit Called to Address Bridge Collapse Emergency Amid Growing Federal Funding Tensions"

Reports indicate that Maryland's congressional delegation is scheduled to convene with Governor Wes Moore and the director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget on Tuesday to address the urgent need for funding in response to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The meeting is set to take place at the U.S. Capitol and comes in the midst of differing opinions among Maryland congressional leaders regarding the scale and immediacy of the funding request to be presented to Congress.

Last month, the U.S. Transportation Department greenlit an initial $60 million in emergency funds following the bridge's collapse, caused by the Dali, a cargo ship operated by a Singapore-based company. The extensive tasks ahead include the removal of the bridge debris from the Patapsco River, the restoration of shipping routes, support for displaced port workers, and the formulation of preliminary plans for the bridge's reconstruction. The magnitude of the undertaking looms large, with many uncertainties surrounding the process.

Maryland's congressional representatives admit that the exact amount of financial assistance required from the federal government remains uncertain at this juncture.

"The total number could be very well north of a billion dollars," said Rep. David Trone, a Maryland Democrat who has a seat on the pivotal House Appropriations Committee. "But nobody can give you a super close guess (about) what that (total cost) is going to be right now. There are a lot of design questions and unknown costs for salvage. But we need to get a big number out there and get it approved."

Rep. Andy Harris, a Maryland Republican who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, said initial emergency funding should be limited to urgent and time-sensitive projects.  

"I'm wary of going ahead and appropriating the money all at once," Harris told CBS News. "We should pass something to make sure we have enough money to clear the channel."

Harris said Congress' initial emergency aid package should include language requiring the Justice Department to undertake civil actions and "recoup the money" from companies found liable for any failures that led to the bridge crash and collapse.

"It'll probably cost less than $100 million to clear the channel.  That's the only large expense there is going to be in the next few months," Harris said. "Obviously, the expense of building the bridge is years into the future."

But Maryland Democrats told CBS News they'll also seek funding to help provide aid for workers who face hardships because of the crisis. And they worry that Republicans might deny Baltimore funding in the future.

Trone expressed to CBS News his intention to include provisions in an emergency funding bill to ensure continuous funding for work and restoration over the next few years, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming presidential election.

"We need a commitment from the federal government, written into the appropriations bill, guaranteeing full financial support for rebuilding this bridge," Trone emphasized. "This is not about party lines; it's about supporting a state in need after a natural disaster."

"This should not be a political game," Trone insisted. "We must have this commitment in the appropriations bill, just in case the worst-case scenario becomes reality — President Biden is not reelected."

A spokesperson for Gov. Moore assured CBS News that Moore would collaborate with the state's congressional representatives "to ensure Maryland receives the necessary resources to reconstruct the Key Bridge, resume operations at the Port of Maryland, and assist affected families."

Four of Maryland's congressional members hold positions on appropriations committees, which would play a role in shaping and drafting legislation for funding restoration efforts.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, declared plans to meet with the longshoremen impacted by the bridge collapse later this week.