Washington, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on the water crisis in Flint, Michigan:
“The drinking water crisis affecting Flint, Michigan, is a direct result of Republican policies to prioritize budget savings over the common good. Moreover, it is a tragic example of the broader failure to invest in public health and consumer safety, particularly as our country’s water systems age and require replacement. We need to uncover the whole story as to why children in Flint have been found with elevated levels of lead in their blood after parents were told that their water was safe to drink – and why concerns raised by the community with governmental agencies that the water remained contaminated were repeatedly ignored. We also need to focus on quickly identifying the steps necessary to fix the problem, ensuring that their drinking water is safe once more, and better understanding the long-term challenges Flint faces in the aftermath of this horrible tragedy. While finding cost savings to the taxpayers should always be an important consideration for those serving in government, doing so must never come at the expense of Americans’ health.
“The Republican Majority on the House Oversight and Government Affairs Committee ought to have insisted that Michigan Governor Rick Snyder testify at tomorrow’s hearing. He is a critical figure in this case and has admitted responsibility for allowing cost-cutting that jeopardizes public health. I want to thank Reps. Dan Kildee, Brenda Lawrence, and their Democratic colleagues from Michigan for their unyielding advocacy for the people of Flint and Ranking Member Elijah Cummings for supporting them in their pursuit of the truth in this matter.”
Contact:
Mariel Saez 202-225-3130
