Austin News

Senator Ted Cruz of Texas urged for swift action in rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing. Cruz emphasized the need to avoid bureaucratic delays and swiftly address the collapse of the bridge.

Cruz commended Chairwoman Homendy for her work at the National Transportation Safety Board, highlighting her dedication to transportation safety regardless of political considerations. He expressed his condolences for the workers who lost their lives in the bridge collapse and stressed the importance of federal assistance in rebuilding the structure.

The Senator criticized the potential for lengthy environmental reviews and bureaucratic hurdles that could impede the reconstruction process. Cruz urged for immediate funding and minimal delays in the rebuilding efforts, emphasizing the significance of the Baltimore Port to the economy and the potential impact of its prolonged closure.

Cruz questioned whether the response to the bridge collapse reflected the urgency of the situation, contrasting it with a hypothetical swift response from China. He warned against the episode becoming a symbol of bureaucratic inefficiency in public works projects and called for effective coordination among officials overseeing the rebuilding process.

In addition, Cruz expressed support for Patrick Fuchs, who was renominated to the Surface Transportation Board, highlighting Fuchs' expertise in the rail network and collaborative approach to addressing industry challenges.

The Senator concluded by stating, “Thank you. I look forward to hearing from both nominees,” underscoring the importance of addressing infrastructure issues promptly and efficiently.