The families deserve nothing less.
In 2014, news broke that the people of Flint, Michigan faced toxic lead poisoning from a contaminated water supply.
Flint represents one of the largest scale examples of environmental racism in our country. The consequences were devastating: more than 100,000 residents were exposed to elevated lead levels – including over 10,000 children – which could lead to a lifetime of developmental and physical ailments.
In 2016, I participated in my first Congressional delegation visiting Flint.
That day, I said: "Flint families deserve answers from the leaders who failed them and solutions that will help them recover. We are committed to doing everything we can in Congress to send the resources they need and ensure that those who are responsible will be held accountable. The families of Flint deserve nothing less."
I co-sponsored legislation in the House to respond to the Flint Water Crisis, legislation that would bring:
- investments in infrastructure repairs,
- services for families and children exposed to lead,
- economic development for the communities impacted,
- long-term health and quality monitoring in Flint,
- stronger requirements for the EPA to notify the public about lead in drinking water.
In 2018, I visited Flint on a second Congressional trip, and found little progress was made. Now, five years since the news broke, the people of Flint are still at risk.
It's time for a broader national intervention by the EPA, to get to the bottom of the Flint water crisis, and for Congress to make things right. Sign the petition: Demand Congress and the EPA investigate the Flint water crisis, and then get involved to ensure every resident of Flint has access to clean, safe drinking water.
Jim
