March 04, 2016

Flint Water Crisis Begs the Question: "Would This Have Happened in a Rich, White City?"

Flint, MI – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI) and several of her Democratic colleagues in visiting Flint families affected by the city’s water crisis. She released this statement:

“I am in Flint today to bear witness to the real impact of this man-made and entirely preventable tragedy. My constituents and I are appalled by this injustice and we are committed to doing everything necessary to help this community.

Lead in Flint’s water supply did not happen on its own. This tragedy is a direct result of decisions that devalued the lives of Flint residents, the majority of whom are African American and low-income.

Compounding this tragedy are public officials, who had the power to act but ignored their responsibilities, as children and families were poisoned by the very water in their homes. This is simply unacceptable. As Members of Congress, we have a duty to hold officials accountable and take real action to empower and uplift the people of Flint following this unthinkable tragedy.

I thank Leader Pelosi, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressman Kildee, Congresswoman Lawrence, Congressman Conyers and Congresswoman Dingell for organizing this important delegation so Members of Congress understand the full extent of this crisis. I will be working with them to address the needs of Flint and ensure that this type of man-made disaster never happens again.”

Congresswoman Lee has some limited media available to discuss this trip. If you are interested in scheduling an interview or receiving photos, please contact James Lewis.

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Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Democrat Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality and Opportunity.