Federal investment in water infrastructure has declined by 77 percent since its peak in the 1970s.

Congress created the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program.

there is no reason that we can't do the same for water rate assistance. I believe we can and we must come together in a bipartisan fashion to make these meaningful investments.

When it comes to clean water, Americans too often face a heartbreaking choice.

one time assistance is not a solution for a family sitting at the kitchen table deciding between the next grocery store trip or next month's water bill.

In a country as wealthy as the United States, nobody should have to worry about whether aging, deteriorating pipes in rural communities will hold up.

we can't truly call ourselves a compassionate country, and no one can truly pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness unless every family has the dignity of safe drinking water and proper sanitation.

It is only right that we take a close look at the state of our country's water systems and the Federal investments needed.

In 2012, California became the first State in the Nation to recognize in statute a human right to water.

During the COVID pandemic, Congress recognized the risk of impending water shut offs and growing debt nationwide.

So if that is limited on the Federal side, separate and apart from a dollar, a grant, or a favorable loan, this is hurting more than it is helping.

The burden of unsafe and unaffordable water disproportionately impacts lower income communities and communities of color.