EXCLUSIVE — House Rules Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R‑OK) advised the Biden administration and Maryland officials to “take their time” while considering how much federal aid to ask for in the wake of the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
Cole said in an interview with the Washington Examiner on Wednesday that “aid is flowing” to Baltimore after the bridge collapse, including debris removal funds that have already been approved by the Transportation Department. He also said emergency repair money will be available as soon as a figure is determined.
“But the point is, the funds are there so that nothing should be delayed in dealing with his tragedy,” the congressman said. “After that, you know, we’re waiting, obviously, for the administration to present a request. And my advice to them and honestly, people in Maryland, was ‘take your time.’
“We have the money to deal with the immediate problem,” Cole added. “The danger in a situation like this is you’ll always underestimate and ask for too little, and not think through what the full scope of the crisis is.”
The Biden administration announced …