Washington DC – The Co-Chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) and Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) issued the following statement to House Speaker Paul Ryan, seeking confirmation that he received their letter regarding supplemental funding for the people of Flint, Michigan in advance of the upcoming vote on a continuing resolution to fund the government:
Full text of letter below:
September 9, 2016
The Honorable Paul Ryan
Speaker of the House
H-232, United States Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Mr. Speaker:
We call on you to provide supplemental funding for the people of Flint, Michigan before the end of the 2016 Fiscal Year. It's been almost a year since we learned about lead contaminated water in Flint and longer since the people of Flint have been exposed to lead in their drinking water. It's past time for Congress to act. As we approach the end of the Fiscal Year, we ask you to include a supplemental appropriation for Flint in any omnibus or continuing resolution passed to keep the government funded.
The ongoing public health emergency in Flint requires Congressional action. A supplemental appropriation could be used to help provide infrastructure repairs; support health, nutrition and education assistance for children exposed to lead; and deliver economic development opportunities to the community. While the effects of lead poisoning are permanent, providing these resources now can mitigate the impacts and support a strong, prosperous Flint. The $765 million in supplemental appropriations outlined by Representative Kildee (H.R.4479) and included in the Congressional Progressive Caucus Budget would provide appropriate funding to help restore safe drinking water and address the damage that has been done.
In March of this year, 17 members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus visited Flint on a 26-member delegation to the city. We held a “Speak Out” where families and residents of Flint testified about their experiences during this crisis. Members of Congress listened as nearly 200 residents shared their stories and called for action to help their community. They are strong and ready to rebuild, but they need and deserve support from their leaders in Congress.
There is a long-standing, bipartisan tradition in Congress to assist communities after a disaster, and we hope that, in this tradition, you will bring a much needed funding bill to the floor for the people of Flint.
Sincerely,
Keith Ellison Raúl Grijalva
CPC Co-Chair CPC Co-Chair
Mark Pocan
CPC First Vice Chair
Barbara Lee
CPC Whip
Matt Cartwright
CPC Vice Chair
David Cicilline
CPC Vice Chair
Ruben Gallego
CPC Vice Chair
Michael Honda
CPC Vice Chair
Sheila Jackson Lee
CPC Vice Chair
Jan Schakowsky
CPC Vice Chair
Mark Takano
CPC Vice Chair
