Boxer speaks out for bipartisan bill to increase funding for drinking water infrastructure improvements

Following reports of lead in the drinking water of Jackson, Mississippi, U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Environment and Public Works Committee Ranking Member, urged the advancement of the Drinking Water Safety and Infrastructure Act.

“Once again, there is breaking news that pregnant women and children in an American community have been told to stop drinking tap water contaminated with lead,” Boxer said. "Lead in drinking water always raises serious health concerns because we know there is no safe level of lead in children. The families in Flint, in Jackson, and in every community threatened by lead in their drinking water deserve action now.”

The legislation, which was co-authored by U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK), would increase the funding available to communities throughout the country for drinking water infrastructure improvements. It would also increase resources and strengthen the public notification requirements for communities dealing with lead contamination.

“The Stabenow legislation pending in the Senate would ensure that resources are available to address toxic lead in drinking water,” Boxer said. “We should be able to come together and move this legislation forward, but a few senators are holding it up. Anyone who stands in the way of passage of this critical public health law while our families continue to be exposed to lead in their drinking water will have to answer to the American people.”