Water Resources Development Act of 2016

Floor Speech

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Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 1 minute.

First, I also want to congratulate and express my appreciation to my colleague, friend, and neighbor from Flint, Mr. Kildee, for his work on this and for his advocacy of his hometown.

I wanted to say, Mr. Chairman, the crisis in Flint was caused by failures of government at all levels. The Federal Government played a significant role in causing this crisis, and Congress has held multiple hearings to investigate. Members on both sides of the aisle have found fault with the Federal Government's actions in Flint.

Today, the House has the opportunity to acknowledge those failures and do right by the people of Flint. While the Federal Government failed, the pipes in Flint were damaged beyond repair and residents were poisoned with lead. That is why fixing the water infrastructure in Flint is a proper role for the Federal Government and a step forward for the city and its residents.

I urge my colleagues to support the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Chairman, just in closing, I want to compliment everyone who has been involved in this bipartisan solution. It is an example of Congress working together to solve a problem.

This is something that those of us--and many of us have traveled to Flint--have listened to the stories of the families of children who have been poisoned. It is a tragedy on the national level. Presidential candidates have been there.

This is something concrete that Congress can do to move the ball forward and help Flint with its healing and making a huge difference in the lives of residents in Michigan.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

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