Political Quotes

“We all know that water is life. Safe, accessible, affordable drinking water is a human right. In 2021, I was proud to work with Representative Debbie Dingell and the Committee on Energy and Commerce in helping establish the low- income household water assistance program, a $1.2 billion financial assistance program to help pay off bills and debts to keep people's water connected, especially during the pandemic. The program, of course, saved countless lives, but the money has run out. Millions of Americans all across our Nation are still struggling to keep up with their bills, and many are having their water shut off as we speak. We already have a permanent program right now for gas and electric utilities for our families called LIHEAP, but we have nothing for water utilities. The cost of water has gone up more than 40 percent nationwide in the last decade, and increased 285 percent in Detroit since 1980. With this bill, called the Half-Century Update for Water Access and Affordability Act, we are establishing a bill that would dedicate funding every year to keep people's water flowing. The program, Mr. Speaker, would include direct financial assistance, bill payments, and debt relief. What I also love is that it is going to help with water efficiency upgrades, like plumbing repairs that are much-needed in very old homes all across our Nation.…”