Congressman Dan Kildee Leads Congressional Delegation to Flint

FLINT-Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) led a congressional delegation to Flint, Michigan, so that Members of Congress could see first-hand the ongoing water crisis and receive an update about the city's recovery efforts.

While in Flint, the Members of Congress sat down with Flint residents to hear what more needs to be done to help families and the community recover. The Members also met with business leaders, non-profit organizations and the philanthropic community to discuss ways to grow Flint's economy and provide more opportunity for Flint residents. Finally, along with Mayor Karen Weaver, the Members observed lead pipes being replaced thanks to a federal Flint aid package passed by Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2016.

Members of Congress from across the country joined the trip to Flint, including Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-12) and Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn (SC-06).

"After working hard to pass a federal aid package in Congress, I was proud to bring Members of Congress back to Flint," said Congressman Kildee. "While progress is being made to replace lead pipes and expand health care services for Flint families, it is important for my congressional colleagues to remember that the water crisis is not over. More needs to be done to move Flint forward so we can attract new economic investments to the city. I am glad Members had the opportunity to hear directly from families about the work that remains to help Flint and ensure a similar water crisis does not happen elsewhere."

"Four years since this man-made crisis, Flint Families still do not have confidence in their drinking water," said Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. "Congressman Dan Kildee has been an unwavering voice in Congress for the residents of Flint and it is an honor to join him to witness the progress and meet with Flint families and community leaders to hear what more needs to be done. House Democrats stand united against Republican cuts to critical safe drinking water grants, remain steadfast in our commitment to the children and families of Flint and will continue fighting to ensure that no family ever has to live in fear of turning on the tap again."

"Access to clean, safe drinking water has been the single greatest factor in improving life expectancy in the modern era. And yet, four years after 100,000 people in Flint, Michigan were exposed to high levels of lead in their drinking water, the people of Flint still are using filters or bottled water. House Democrats are offering a Better Deal to Rebuild America to restore our national commitment to our water and wastewater infrastructure so that all communities have access to clean, safe water," said Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn.

Since the water crisis began, Congressman Kildee has brought over 30 Members of Congress-both Republicans and Democrats-to Flint. During the congressional delegation visits, Congressman Kildee has led Leader Pelosi, House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Assistant Democratic Leader Clyburn, leaders of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Progressive Caucus and other Members of Congress to meet with families, business owners and community leaders.

Congressman Kildee worked tirelessly to pass $170 million in federal aid directed at helping Flint recover. The federal aid package included $100 million to help Flint replace lead pipes and make much-needed improvements to its infrastructure; $50 million for expanded health care for Flint families; and $20 million to establish the Center for Lead Excellence and create the Flint Lead Registry.

Additionally, Congressman Kildee worked with Republican Congressman Fred Upton (MI-06) to pass a new law strengthening requirements for the EPA to more quickly notify the public when high concentrations of lead are found in drinking water. This bill passed the House on February 10, 2016, with a 416-2 bipartisan vote and was signed into law by President Obama on December 16, 2016.

He has introduced comprehensive legislation to strengthen the outdated Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) to better protect public health and lower the drinking water standard for lead in water. The National Opportunity for Lead Exposure Accountability and Deterrence Act, or NO LEAD Act, would require the EPA to update the LCR within nine months. It also improves lead testing procedures by banning techniques that disguise lead levels in water and prioritize testing for facilities with pregnant mothers and children. Additionally, it would provide more information to the public on the safety of their drinking water and lower the level of lead contamination in drinking water that would trigger when a public water system must act to remove lead from drinking water.

In addition to House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-12) and Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Congressman Sandy Levin (MI-09), Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02), Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10), Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-02) and Congressman Jared Huffman (CA-02) were in the delegation that visited.