Ted Poe: “When we turn on the tap, clean water flows out and we hardly even think about it. The same thing happens when we turn on…”

“When we turn on the tap, clean water flows out and we hardly even think about it. The same thing happens when we turn on the shower or flush the toilet. But for a lot of the world, this just isn't true. According to the USAID, over 700 million people lack dependable access to clean water. But it is not just water. One in three people don't have access to a toilet. Many don't know the basic hygiene practices. As a result, over 800 children a day die. However, progress has been made. The Water for the World Act that Representative Blumenauer and I authored in the 113th Congress made great strides to guarantee safe water, sanitation, and hygiene to everyone. But there is still work to be done. Eighty percent of the countries receiving aid report that water issues remain. The poor still lack water and sanitation. With our God-given resources, we have an obligation and a privilege to make sure people receive the basic of life: clean water. And that is just the way it is. ____________________”