President Joe Biden would like the federal government to pay for the reconstruction of Baltimore‘s Francis Scott Key Bridge despite its collapse being caused by a foreign container ship.

“I have directed my team to move heaven and earth to reopen the port and rebuild the bridge as soon as humanly possible,” Biden told reporters in the White House‘s Roosevelt Room Tuesday. “It’s my intention that the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge. And I expect Congress to support my effort.”

“To the people of Baltimore, we are with you. We will stay with you as long as it takes,” he said. “Like the governor said, you are Maryland tough, Baltimore strong. We will get through this together.”

Critics are poised to compare Biden’s announcement that he will travel to Baltimore “as soon as possible” to his response to East Palestine, Ohio. Shortly after the toxic train derailment last year, the president promised to visit the site, but he didn’t go until last month, coinciding with the first anniversary. East Palestine is in a Republican area of Ohio.

Biden was briefed on what he described as the “terrible” ship collision and bridge collapse earlier Tuesday, during which he directed aides to ensure those participating in the search and rescue effort have access to federal resources if they require them.

“The president will continue to receive updates from his team throughout the day,” a White House official told reporters. “White House and administration officials will remain in close contact with state and local officials.”

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will be in Baltimore on Tuesday, according to the Department of Transportation, with a National Transportation Safety Board investigation already underway and flight restrictions, applicable to drone pilots, in place.

“I’ve spoken with Gov. [Wes] Moore and Mayor [Brandon] Scott to offer USDOT’s support following the vessel strike and collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge,” Buttigieg posted on Tuesday. “Rescue efforts remain underway and drivers in the Baltimore area should follow local responder guidance on detours and response.”

Moore praised the first responders for their courage, and he pledged not only to respond to the immediate aftermath but also to build “a state that is more resilient and more safe.”

Six people, construction workers who were conducting maintenance on the almost half-a-century-old bridge overnight, are missing in cold temperatures. Another person was rescued, while another is in a critical condition.

The 22-person crew of the Dali, the Singapore container ship that crashed into the bridge, was able to communicate to port authorities that the ship had lost power in the early hours of Tuesday morning, providing them with the time to close the bridge and minimize the number of casualties. The FBI confirmed the bridge, which is part of the heavily trafficked Interstate 695, was up to code. Supply chains will be affected because hazardous materials are not permitted on other nearby bridges.

“We pray for the construction workers who were on the Key Bridge – and we pray for everyone who has been touched by this tragedy – and their families – and their loved ones,” Moore wrote.