Press Releases

CBC Chairman Calls on Republican Senators to Support Emergency Relief for Flint, Michigan

Washington, DC, February 4, 2016

Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chairman G. K. Butterfield sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell urging him to prevent Senate Republicans from blocking emergency relief for the citizens of Flint, Michigan.

“The state of emergency in Flint, Michigan requires immediate action from the United States Senate,” Chairman Butterfield wrote.  “While there are no flooded streets or people stranded on the roof of their home, poisoned water still runs through the faucets in Flint.  There are children with visible scars, and those who will have mental health issues and learning disabilities that we cannot yet see.  Bottled water is not a solution.  It is a band-aid that will not heal this gaping wound.  The City of Flint is in crisis.”

Michigan Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters offered amendments to the Energy Policy and Modernization Act under consideration by the Senate.  Senate Republicans and Democrats agreed to an emergency aid package for Flint, but Republicans later reversed course and decided to block the assistance.

“Republican senators have routinely requested this type of assistance when disasters occurred in their states.  The people of Flint deserve nothing less.  Republicans must join Democrats in meeting our moral obligation to protect the health of our children,” Chairman Butterfield wrote.

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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