Hoyer Statement on House Passage of Flint Water Bill

-

Washington, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill that requires the Environmental Protection Agency to disclose to the public anytime it uncovers evidence of serious lead pollution:

“Today, Democrats and Republicans came together to pass with overwhelming support a bill that requires the Environmental Protection Agency to disclose to the public within twenty-four hours anytime it uncovers evidence of serious lead or other waterborne pollution exposure if a state’s water agency fails to do so. I want to thank Rep. Kildee for his hard work bringing this bill to the Floor and securing bipartisan support, as well as for his untiring advocacy for the people of Flint.

“While this bill is an important first step, it must not be all Congress does to address the problem facing Flint. While it is important to ensure that the EPA has the tools and mandate it requires to protect the cleanliness of Americans’ drinking water, it must be remembered that the crisis in Flint was primarily due to the failure of the Snyder Administration and State agencies to act responsibly and their decision to put cost savings ahead of public health. There must be a full accounting of what happened in Flint, and those responsible need to answer for their negligence. At the same time, Congress must continue to work on helping the people of Flint recover from this crisis, and it needs to come together in a bipartisan way to invest in upgrading and replacing aging water systems around the country so that this tragedy is not repeated.”

Contact:
Mariel Saez 202-225-3130

Previous articleIndustry, EPA Debate ‘Background’ Ozone and Resulting Impact on Clean Air Act Compliance
Next articleHoyer Remarks at the House Democratic Steering & Policy Committee Meeting on the Flint Water Crisis