Remarks of The Honorable Dale E. Kildee   DEPARTMENTS OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2002   July 27, 2001      Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time.     Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Bonior-Waxman-Obey-Brown-Kildee amendment for the fiscal year 2002 VA-HUD appropriations bill.     This amendment will restore implementation of reasonable arsenic reductions in drinking water, and it is time to address this very important health problem.     In some areas of my district in Michigan, we have a very high occurrence of unhealthy arsenic content in public drinking water systems and individual wells. I have heard too many stories of the negative health effects suffered by my constituents, and I believe we should move quickly to rectify this problem.     The current arsenic standards of 50 parts per million was developed in 1942, before President Bush was born, and it does not represent a public health standard consistent with our responsibility to ensure the health and welfare of citizens nationwide. We have learned much about arsenic since 1942.     The Clinton administration spent years studying the issue; and, in 1999, the National Academy of Science again affirmed the public health threat of 50 parts per million arsenic levels. Despite National Academy of Science's affirmation of our position, the Bush administration has unwisely delayed implementation of this health protection.     It is inaccurately suggested that the rulemaking was rushed. This is simply not so. This rulemaking is a result of years of study and public comment. The time for studies and delays has passed. The time for healthy drinking water is here. This Congress owes this to our people.     Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment.