Katko works to mitigate lead poisoning in NY, nationwide; introduces related bill

U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) is leading efforts to mitigate lead poisoning around the nation, particularly in cities like Syracuse, N.Y., where 90 percent of homes were built before the 1978 federal ban on lead paint.

“Lead poisoning is a public health crisis faced by hundreds of families in the most distressed neighborhoods in our community,” Rep. Katko said during a July 19 roundtable discussion in Syracuse. “Families deserve the peace of mind of knowing that their children are not being detrimentally impacted by the long-term impacts of lead exposure.”

Rep. Katko was joined by U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Ben Carson, officials from the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County, N.Y., and local housing organizations to discuss lead remediation.

“I met with HUD Secretary Ben Carson earlier this year in Washington on this issue and invited him to Syracuse to sit down with our community leaders and advocates to hear firsthand the importance of prioritizing this issue,” the congressman said. “I’m glad to welcome him to Syracuse today to continue the conversation.”

Rep. Katko added that local housing organizations “work on the ground every day to make sure families in our community know the risks of lead poisoning … but federal dollars are critical in this effort.”

The lawmaker also during the event announced bipartisan legislation he introduced last week to improve lead paint screening for children nationwide.

Rep. Katko on July 18 sponsored the Preventing Lead Poisoning Act, H.R. 3842, with six cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Peter Welch (D-VT), to ensure that children enrolled in both Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are tested for lead poisoning.

Currently, Medicaid relies on guidance that all participating children must receive a lead screening test at 12 and 24 months, and between the ages of 24 and 72 months, if not previously tested. H.R. 3842 would codify that guidance and expand the Medicaid requirements to include children enrolled in the CHIP program.