Washington, D.C. (Jan. 14, 2021)— Today, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, issued this statement after press reports announced that former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder was criminally charged with “willful neglect of duty” in the investigation into the Flint water crisis:
 

“Governor Rick Snyder must be held accountable for his role in poisoning the people of Flint.  He made the choice to put money over the lives of children, who will suffer the impacts of his decisions for the rest of their lives.  Our former Chairman Elijah E. Cummings worked tirelessly to find the truth of what happened in Flint.  Governor Snyder, instead of taking responsibility, blamed others and obstructed our investigation.  This charge is long past due and unfortunately it will still not bring justice for the families impacted.”

Background:

For years, the Committee aggressively investigated the Flint water crisis.  In 2016, the Committee held one hearing in February 2016 and two in March 2016, examining the state and federal responses to the crisis.  Governor Snyder testified before the Committee in March 2016 that he did not learn of the outbreak of Legionnaire's disease in Flint, Michigan until January 2016.  Following the information uncovered in the Committee’s investigation, former Chairman Cummings and Committee Member Rep. Brenda Lawrence called for the criminal referral of three Michigan state employees. 
 

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