CBC Chairman Calls on Republican Senators to Support Emergency Relief for Flint, Michigan
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Black Caucus Chairman G. K. Butterfield sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell urging him to prevent Senate Republicans from blocking emergency relief for the citizens of Flint, Michigan.
“The state of emergency in Flint, Michigan requires immediate action from the United States Senate,” Chairman Butterfield wrote. “While there are no flooded streets or people stranded on the roof of their home, poisoned water still runs through the faucets in Flint. There are children with visible scars, and those who will have mental health issues and learning disabilities that we cannot yet see. Bottled water is not a solution. It is a band-aid that will not heal this gaping wound. The City of Flint is in crisis.”
Michigan Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters offered amendments to the Energy Policy and Modernization Act under consideration by the Senate. Senate Republicans and Democrats agreed to an emergency aid package for Flint, but Republicans later reversed course and decided to block the assistance.
“Republican senators have routinely requested this type of assistance when disasters occurred in their states. The people of Flint deserve nothing less. Republicans must join Democrats in meeting our moral obligation to protect the health of our children,” Chairman Butterfield wrote.
