[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 119 (Monday, August 9, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1541]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           ASSISTANCE, QUALITY AND AFFORDABILITY ACT OF 2010

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 29, 2010

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Assistance, 
Quality and Affordability, AQUA, Act. I'm pleased that this important 
drinking water legislation includes my legislation the ``Get the Lead 
Out'' Act.
  Get the Lead Out will help protect against the lead exposure acquired 
through our plumbing systems and faucets. The bill updates the lead 
content standard in the Safe Drinking Water Act, SDWA, from 8 percent 
to .25 percent and represents a progressive and major effort that will 
eliminate the threat to all of us from lead in our faucets and 
fixtures.
  Today, lead remains one of the most persistent threats to our public 
health and the EPA has concluded that between 15 and 20 percent of the 
lead in children's blood comes from their drinking water systems. From 
the last decade of medical research, it is increasingly clear that 
there is no safe level of lead in the human bloodstream and this is 
particularly true for children.
  California recognized this threat and in 2006 enacted the toughest 
lead content standard for drinking water faucets, fittings, and 
plumbing systems anywhere in the world. The states of Vermont and 
Maryland have followed California's lead and are now implementing 
identical laws.
  Get the Lead Out mirrors California's legislation and will provide 
for a consistent and effective national standard. By updating the SDWA 
we will ensure that no one will be exposed to a serious health threat 
which can easily be avoided.
  Get the Lead Out has garnered the support of state health officials, 
numerous children's health organizations, prominent national 
environmental organizations, local governments, scientific 
associations, and national drinking water associations. Of particular 
note, the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute, the association that 
represents all major faucet companies and other manufacturers of 
drinking water plumbing fittings, also supports the legislation.
  I thank Chairmen Waxman and Markey for their leadership on promoting 
safe drinking water and I urge my colleagues to vote for AQUA and the 
Get the Lead Out provision included in this critical bill.

                          ____________________