Illinois lawmakers accuse trump administration of withholding $3 billion in critical lead pipe replacement funding

Illinois congressional representatives are sounding the alarm over what they call the “dangerous politicization” of federal funding meant to protect Americans from toxic lead pipes. In a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency this week, the lawmakers alleged that $3 billion in congressionally approved funds for nationwide lead pipe replacement has been withheld by the Trump administration, leaving vulnerable communities without crucial resources to address this public health crisis.

The funding is part of a larger $15 billion commitment from the Biden-era Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, designed to eliminate lead service lines across the country over five years. Lead pipes pose severe health risks, as the toxic metal can dissolve into drinking water and cause brain damage, cardiovascular problems, and reproductive issues. The EPA maintains there is no safe level of lead exposure, making swift action critical for protecting families and children.

Illinois faces a particularly urgent challenge, ranking among the top five states with the most lead service lines. Chicago alone has over 412,000 lead pipes—more than any other U.S. city—and faces an estimated $12 billion replacement cost. Despite federal mandates requiring all lead pipes to be replaced by 2047, the city has only managed to replace 14,000 pipes over five years at a cost of $400 million, with each replacement averaging $35,000.

Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, who helped lead the congressional effort, accused the administration of “playing games” and targeting blue states and cities that need the most help. Environmental advocates warn that politicizing access to safe drinking water puts countless American families at risk and undermines the urgent public health response needed to address this nationwide crisis.