Dan Kildee: “Last week, Republicans introduced a bill that would fund the government for 2\1/2\ months but does not include any help…”

“Last week, Republicans introduced a bill that would fund the government for 2\1/2\ months but does not include any help whatsoever for my home community of Flint, Michigan, struggling with water that was poisoned by State government--no help from Congress, despite the fact that Members of Congress, in both parties, on both sides of the aisle, have expressed their concern, have asked what they can do, and have traveled to Flint. The majority held hearings that concluded that there was clearly Federal responsibility--this is according to Republicans on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee--Federal responsibility for what took place in Flint. Yet, despite the fact that we are including important provisions to keep the government open and providing relief to people in Louisiana who are struggling, which I support, no help for Flint--despite, also, the fact that the language that we are asking to be included is language that passed the Senate 95-3 and is fully paid for. So those that oppose helping Flint can't say it is because we can't afford it, because it is fully paid for, and can't say it is a local problem, because Republicans and Democrats have already concluded that there was a Federal role. The only cost to the Federal Government is the cost of printing ink on paper to include this legislation in the continuing resolution. We have to include Flint. ____________________”