SCHAKOWSKY INTRODUCES THE WATER FOR THE WORLD RESOLUTION

JUNE 25, 2004

SCHAKOWSKY INTRODUCES THE
WATER FOR THE WORLD RESOLUTION

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Saying that the U.S. must lead the effort "to address the impending global water crisis" and that all people must have "access to clean water to meet their basic needs," U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today introduced H.Con. Res. 468, the "Water for the World Resolution."

"Globally, one billion people lack adequate access to safe drinking water and 2.5 billion have no access to proper sanitation. Five million people, mostly children, die unnecessarily from water-related diseases each year. This is not just a problem that affects other countries. Three of our fastest growing states - California, Texas, and Florida - have limited fresh water supplies," Schakowsky said.

"Water is a finite resource that is essential to all forms of life. We will face major difficulties unless we take action immediately," Schakowsky added.

Schakowsky concluded, "Senator Paul Simon believed that the U.S. is the only nation that "has the capabilities and resources to lead" the effort to solve the global water crisis. He considered his book on this topic, Tapped Out, one of the most important works of his life. It is in his memory and because of the urgency of this issue that I will work to make achieve this critical goal."

H.Con.Res. 468 is cosponsored by 32 members of Congress.