House Democrats Announce Community “Speak Out” Event In Flint, Michigan

Washington – The Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Keith Ellison (D-MN), Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI), Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), and Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus G.K. Butterfield (D-NC) announced that Members of Congress will travel to Flint, Michigan to hold a community “Speak Out” event on March 4, 2016. 

 

During the event, members of the community will speak before Members of Congress about how their lives have been affected since their water supply was contaminated with lead. 

 

Additional details to come. 

 

“Flint is a catastrophe that needs Congress’ attention,” said Rep. Keith Ellison. “With more than 8,000 children and thousands of other residents being exposed to lead contaminated water, we should listen to the people of Flint – something too many in the state failed to do.”

 

“I want to thank my colleagues for traveling to Flint to meet directly with families affected by the ongoing water crisis,” said Rep. Dan Kildee. “What is happening in my hometown breaks my heart. Resources are needed right now for Flint and the families, particularly children, who are the victims of this terrible tragedy. Governor Snyder, whose administration’s policies created this public health emergency, has a moral obligation to help the victims of this crisis.”

 

“I am proud to join my colleague Rep. Dan Kildee and my colleagues in the CPC and CBC in the further fight to seek the truth in the Flint Water Crisis and provide justice for the nearly 100,000 people of Flint, especially to the thousands of children irreparably harmed in this manmade crisis,” said Rep. Brenda Lawrence. “Our first priority should be for all of us, Democrats and Republicans, to work together to fix this crisis. Our second priority is to hold the individuals responsible for this crisis accountable. We are traveling to Flint in a unified front so that we can get to the bottom of the crisis and prevent the poisoning of other American cities. We are joining forces for the good of the people we serve and to regain the trust of Flint and the American public. Together, we will uncover the truth, correct the mistakes made, provide for the children and families of Flint, and see that justice is served.”

 

“What has happened in Flint should touch the heart of anyone who has compassion for others, and especially for those who care for the well-being and safety of our children,” said CBC Chairman G. K. Butterfield. “The CBC was among the first to demand a thorough federal investigation of the Flint water crisis and we will be among those visiting with Flint families to further amplify the urgency of this situation.  More must be done to ensure the families impacted by this crisis are made whole again, and that charge falls directly with Governor Rick Snyder.  There was a clear lack of oversight and accountability, and while short-term efforts and bottled water are helpful, this crisis demands more.  The State of Michigan has an obligation to resolve this emergency the citizens of Flint face.  We will travel to Flint to hear from the people who are most impacted by this travesty and continue to focus our work on this crisis and its long term affects until it has been resolved.”