Press Releases

Congresswoman Gwen Moore Helps Boost Funding for Lead Service Line Removal in Infrastructure Package

On July 1^st, the House passed (by a bipartisan vote of 240-181) an amendment introduced by Congresswoman Gwen Moore, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, Congressman David Cicilline, and Congressman Dan Kildee that would authorize $4.5 billion in funding over the next five fiscal years for lead service line replacement projects. The amendment was included in H.R. 2, comprehensive infrastructure legislation that was then passed by the House.  In response, Congresswoman Moore released the following statement:

“Lead exposure can cause long-term harms on communities and the individuals exposed. Yet, too many communities across our nation, including Milwaukee, continue to have to deal with the sad legacy of lead paint and lead pipes. 

I am pleased to join my colleagues to strengthen federal investments in programs that help protect our children from lead poisoning, including helping to pay for the replacement of the lead pipes that can allow this poison to enter drinking water. 

This amendment would boost authorized funding for comprehensive lead reduction projects to fully replace all lead service lines and without requiring a contribution from the homeowner, a requirement that can create a barrier to getting these lines out of the ground. Unfortunately, those most affected don’t have thousands of dollars laying around to pay to replace the portion of such lines on their properties. 

This amendment makes an investment in the health of the most vulnerable by ensuring that these funds are prioritized towards low-income communities and communities of color most at risk. I am pleased to join my colleagues in this historic vote to pass this amendment and encourage the Senate to follow suit. 

We must continue working until clean air and water is secured for all communities.”