Congressman Dan Kildee urges action on Flint before end of 114th Congress

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives recently to urge Congress to come together in a bipartisan fashion to pass aid for the city of Flint and families affected by the ongoing water crisis.

“Before we are Democrats or Republicans, we are Americans. We have a tradition in this country of always coming together for those who are facing a crisis, for those who are in great need. It is incumbent now upon Congress to do the same, to come together to help the people of Flint. I look forward to Democrats and Republicans coming together to do that,” Congressman Kildee said on the House floor.

A video of Congressman Kildee’s full speech can be viewed here. A transcript of his remarks, as delivered, is below:

“My hometown of Flint, I’m sure you’ve heard me talk about this before, continues to suffer in this crisis. 100,000 people, citizens of that city, still cannot drink their water, exposed to high levels of lead. The crisis is far from over.

“Flint families still do not have access to clean drinking water. They demand — and we should provide — a response from every level of government, including the federal government.

“That’s why I am pleased and appreciate the fact that Democrats and Republicans, in the House and the Senate, have come together to make a commitment to help the people of Flint. Legislation passed in both bodies provides help for Flint. Well now we have to finish that work before we leave this session.

“Before we are Democrats or Republicans, we are Americans. We have a tradition in this country of always coming together for those who are facing a crisis, for those who are in great need. It is incumbent now upon Congress to do the same, to come together to help the people of Flint. I look forward to Democrats and Republicans coming together to do that.”