Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement after President Obama approved a disaster declaration for Flint. Dingell joined her Michigan colleagues yesterday in urging the President to support the State of Michigan's request for federal disaster assistance without delay.
"Thank you to President Obama for recognizing the seriousness of the Flint situation and moving with critical speed to grant the disaster declaration for Flint. Clean and safe drinking water is a basic human right, and his actions today will provide federal resources necessary for this catastrophe, which has put the health of all Flint residents at risk, with the most devastating potential impact on its children.
"We should all recognize that this Administration moved with unprecedented speed to respond, within 36 hours of receiving the request. The Michigan Congressional delegation is committed and dedicated to working in a bipartisan manner to support those who have championed this issue for the residents of Flint. Now it is vital that the federal, state and local governments work together focusing on the immediate issue at hand - making sure Flint residents are safe. We must ensure that no community in America ever experiences this again.
"I want to particularly commend my colleague, Congressman Dan Kildee, a Flint resident himself, for his leadership in mobilizing all of us for this tragedy in his community."