'Stirring an empty pot': Newt Gingrich hit for attacking Biden’s bridge rebuild promise
Newt Gingrich is getting torched online for trying to score political points by tearing down President Joe Biden's vow to "move heaven and earth" to rebuild Baltimore's toppled Francis Scott Key Bridge.
"Why would President Biden promise to pay to rebuild the Baltimore bridge when the insurance companies are responsible," the former House Speaker posted on Twitter/X. "Why add a billion dollars to US debt when the big insurance companies exist for precisely this purpose?
"Is there no idea too dumb for the Biden team to embrace?"
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On Tuesday, Biden spoke about the tragedy where a cargo ship reportedly lost power and was unable to change direction or stop before slamming into the bridge, claiming at least six lives.
"As I told Governor [Wes] Moore, I’ve directed my team to move heaven and earth to reopen the port and rebuild the bridge as soon as humanly possible," he said. "And we’re going to work hand in hand with the support of Maryland — to support Maryland, whatever they ask for. And we’re going to work with our partners in Congress to make sure the state gets the support it needs."
He specified the source of the funds would be federal. "It’s my intention that federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge, and I expect to — the Congress to support my effort," he said.
Straightaway, Gingrich was piled on for his myopic dig at Biden.
"Oh, Newt," Norman Ornstein, who has ties to the American Enterprise Institute, a public policy think tank, responded. "Because it is the right thing to do. Because reopening the port is an urgent national priority. Because It is the American way to help Americans who suffer through no fault of their own. Knowing that if this happened in Georgia, you would be demanding federal aid."
Peter Lapin also criticized Gingrich's criticism. "The government [sic] will pay to get it done quickly, then recover the funds from the insurance companies and those responsible.
"You're stirring an empty pot."
"You already know the answer, Newt," writes Catherine Schnurr. "It will likely take years for the insurance companies to settle. Biden is getting us back up and running much sooner. Stop trolling..."
Biden's administration already freed up $60 million in emergency relief funds for rebuilding the bridge hours after the receiving the request from the state of Maryland.
"The federal emergency funds we're releasing today will help Maryland begin urgent work, to be followed by further resources as recovery and rebuilding efforts progress," U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. "President Biden has been clear: the federal government will do everything it takes to help rebuild the bridge and get the Port of Baltimore back open."