Outrage after US Congress votes to slash $125m in funding to replace toxic lead pipes

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Tom PerkinsFebruary 7, 2026 at 02:00 PM

AI Summary

medium article 4 min

The US Congress has sparked outrage by slashing $125 million in funding earmarked for replacing toxic lead drinking water pipes, a move impacting states like Michigan, Illinois, Texas, and New York. The funding, initially approved with bipartisan support in 2021, was redirected by Republican leadership to wildfire prevention efforts. Advocates argue the cut jeopardizes public health, especially for children, as lead exposure can cause developmental issues and lower IQ scores. The EPA estimates that replacing lead lines would prevent numerous health problems and premature deaths. This cut comes amid ongoing debate over funding priorities and resistance from some water utilities to infrastructure upgrades, despite the EPA's mandate for complete lead line replacement within 10 years.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Joe Biden 40% Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 40% Detroit 50% Illinois 60% Texas 60% New York 60% United States 70% Michigan ×270% Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ×270% Rashida Tlaib ×280% US Congress ×290%

Keywords

lead pipes 100% funding cut 80% toxic lead 70% drinking water 60% environmental protection agency (epa) 50% public health 50% bipartisan support 40% infrastructure upgrades 40%