Celia Israel: “I thank my distinguished friend from Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I rise in very strong support of the Lowey amendment.…”

“I thank my distinguished friend from Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I rise in very strong support of the Lowey amendment. This amendment would strike a provision of the bill that waives part of the EPA's lead renovation, repair, and painting rule. Mr. Chairman, after Flint, we have become more aware of the growing need to protect our communities from the devastating impacts of lead exposure. According to the CDC, at least 4 million households have children who are exposed to high levels of lead, especially in low- income communities. EPA's rule has been in effect since 2008, so why now, 8 years later, is the majority trying to undermine these protections? Why now? Why after Flint? Mr. Chairman, lead paint is still present in millions of homes. Now is not the time, it is absolutely the wrong time, to give industry a pass at the expense of America's children. I urge adoption of the amendment to protect the health and well-being of the American people.”