U.S. Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) on Sept. 15 launched the International Water and Sanitation Caucus, a bipartisan group focused on highlighting the global need for clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.
“Inadequate water and sanitation around the world is a risk to America’s national security and our global health,” Rep. LaHood said. “As a global health leader, the United States must elevate the importance of sanitation and access to clean water, which has been further illuminated by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Access to clean water for drinking, sanitation, and hygiene is necessary to improve health and wellness, promote social resiliency, and strengthen the global economy,” said Rep. Walorski. “I’m excited to join my colleagues in launching the bipartisan International Water and Sanitation Caucus to explore challenges and solutions surrounding access to safe water and proper hygiene in communities across our country and around the world.”
Currently, 785 million people lack access to clean drinking water, and 2 billion do not have access to proper sanitation, according to information provided by Rep. LaHood’s office, which noted that the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need for clean water and sanitation with an estimated 1 billion people at immediate risk because they cannot adequately wash their hands.
“The climate crisis will only expedite the water scarcity faced by billions, putting some of the most vulnerable populations at an even greater risk,” said U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), who is among nine other founding members of the caucus.