A Year Later, Flint Water Crisis Is At A Standstill With Passed Bill But Ceased Investigation

In 2015, a state of emergency was declared in Flint, Michigan, due to undrinkable, lead-contaminated water. A year later, the state of the city's drinking water seems to be at a standstill.

On Dec. 16, a bill was passed to authorize a $170 million project for addressing the lead-contaminated water. The bill, signed by President Obama, showed promise for all water projects in the country, from Flint to the drought in California, the Star Tribune reported.

However, after the bill was signed, Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz announced that he would cease his investigation into the crisis and addressed the "failures" of the state of Michigan. He blamed the Environmental Protection Agency for causing, and then exacerbating, the crisis.

In an effort to continue the investigation and conduct a more thorough examination of the crisis, Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings called for a subpoena of Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, The Hill reported.

Cummings wrote in a letter on Friday that "allowing Governor Snyder to flout the committee's authority will deny the people of Flint the answers they deserve."

Michigan officials also charged two former emergency managers, Darnell Earley and Gerald Ambrose, with false pretenses, conspiracy to commit false pretenses, misconduct in office, and willful neglect of duty in office, The New York Times reported.

Two former employees, Howard Croft and Daugherty Johnson, were also charged with false pretenses and conspiracy to commit false pretenses.