On the recordSeptember 28, 2016
I rise for the purpose of engaging Chairman Shuster in a colloquy with respect to the Kildee-Moolenaar amendment that the House will consider shortly. First, I thank him for his efforts, and for the efforts of Ranking Member DeFazio, as well as Speaker Ryan, Leader Pelosi, and Mr. Hoyer, who late in the evening yesterday worked to reach an agreement on this amendment. The amendment authorizes $170 million for the Corps of Engineers to replace public and private infrastructure in communities such as my hometown of Flint that have received an emergency declaration due to lead contamination in their drinking water. My constituents have been waiting for the help they need for more than a year since they were told their drinking water was poisoned. This is a very important step toward getting them the help they deserve and putting this aid on the President's desk. As the chairman knows, the Senate has passed $220 million to assist communities like Flint with lead issues in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 95-3. That package includes funding for water infrastructure replacement and for programs to help address the impacts of lead exposure on children and pregnant women nationwide. It also creates a Federal advisory committee to study the effects of lead exposure on communities, and it suggests ways to reduce it. To my friend, Mr.…
