Press Releases

Congressional Black Caucus Calls for Immediate Federal Funding for the City of Flint, Michigan Water Crisis

Washington, DC, January 15, 2016

Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chairman G. K. Butterfield released the following statement in response to the Flint, Michigan water crisis calling for an immediate federal investigation and funding to assist the City of Flint in recovery:

“The lack of proper oversight and action, leading to tens of thousands of citizens being exposed to toxic levels of lead in drinking water demands a thorough federal response.  More than 10,000 children, many under the age of six, have been exposed to dangerous amounts of lead in their drinking water, which can lead to a series of lifelong development and learning disabilities.  Governor Rick Snyder failed to act swiftly and has greatly mishandled the state’s response.  In return, thousands of families throughout the City of Flint have been harmed.  As elected officials, we all have a responsibility to ensure the safety of our constituents, especially when it concerns some of our youngest and most vulnerable citizens, and the officials of Flint, Michigan failed to do so.”

In a letter sent to President Obama, 44 members of the Congressional Black Caucus are calling for a thorough federal investigation of all entities that have regulatory and oversight jurisdiction in the matter and for immediate funding to assist the City of Flint in its recovery and future preventative efforts.

# # #

Since its establishment in 1971, Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) have joined together to empower America’s neglected citizens and address their legislative concerns.  For more than 40 years, the CBC has consistently been the voice for people of color and vulnerable communities in Congress and has been committed to utilizing the full Constitutional power and statutory authority of the United States government to ensure that all U.S. citizens have an opportunity to achieve the American Dream.  To learn more about the Congressional Black Caucus, visit http://cbc-butterfield.house.gov.

Media inquiries: Candace Randle Person at (202) 593-1331 or Candace.Randle@mail.house.gov