WASHINGTON, DC, Sept. 15, 2005 -- Water Advocates today released the following statement commending Members of the House International Relations Committee for passing H.R. 1973, the Water for the Poor Act of 2005.
"Water Advocates wants to thank Congressman Blumenauer, Chairman Hyde, and all the members of the Committee on International Relations for their attention to this immense problem and for passing this critically needed legislation. Every year, between 2 and 5 million people worldwide die due to lack of safe drinking water and sanitation. Even more disturbing is that the vast majority of these deaths are preventable if clean water is extended to those without it," said David Douglas, president of Water Advocates.
Lack of safe drinking water and sanitation affects all aspects of life from health, economic development, and education, to gender equality and even international security. By extending or improving means of accessing safe, affordable, sustainable drinking water and sanitation to those without it, millions of deaths could be prevented and education, economic development, and women's rights could advance.
"The legislation passed out of Committee today is a tremendous step toward creating a stronger framework to address this pressing need and prevent needless deaths in the future. Each day people go without safe drinking water is measured in thousands of lives lost and we urge Congress to pass this legislation before they adjourn for the year," continued Douglas.
Citizens for Global Solutions, another proponent of the legislation, notes that an advantage it has is its bipartisan focus, with Senate leaders Bill Frist and Harry Reid in its support column.
Water Advocates (www.wateradvocates.org) is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing American support for worldwide access to safe, affordable, and sustainable drinking water and adequate sanitation.
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