Ellison/Oberstar Request $250 Million in Immediate Emergency Funding For Bridge Disaster

Press Release

Ellison/Oberstar Request $250 Million in Immediate Emergency Funding For Bridge Disaster

Congressman Keith Ellison (DFL-Minneapolis) joined Transportation Committee Chair James Oberstar (DFL-Chisholm) today in introducing legislation to provide for immediate relief funding in response to the tragic Interstate 35W Mississippi River bridge collapse in Minneapolis last evening. The legislation is cosponsored by the entire Minnesota delegation.

The bill provides for $250 million in funding without delay to begin the recovery and rebuilding process. Both Congressman Ellison and Chairman Oberstar expect the measure to be passed by unanimous consent in the U.S. House today. If all goes as expected, and the companion bill in the Senate passes with the same urgency, the legislation could be presented to President Bush to sign into law before the end of the day.

"I would like to thank Chairman Oberstar for his commanding and effective leadership in this time of crisis for the residents of my district, and all of Minnesota, by authorizing the necessary funding to begin the recovery and rebuilding process," Congressman Ellison said.

"I am so very proud of all of the hard work that is being done on the ground in Minneapolis by the Mayor, our first responders, and average Minnesotans who all have exhibited incredible determination and courage in the face of a disaster of this magnitude," Ellison stated.

"I am similarly pleased to witness the bipartisan support of my fellow Minnesota colleagues here in Washington to act swiftly in the face of this challenge.

"Both are illustrative examples of the stuff Minnesotans are made of. The selfless understated heroism exhibited by the good people of Minnesota has made me proud and confident that we can and will recover from this tragedy," Ellison concluded.

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