Ted Cruz, who had previously placed a "soft hold" on an aid package aimed at helping people affected by the current water crisis in Flint, Mich., said Thursday that he will not block the bill.
"Cruz has reviewed the bill now and will not prevent it from moving forward," Cruz spokesman Phil Novack said in an email, reported Politico.
"Certainly Flint is an extreme example right now, but there are problems all over the country. We've got a widespread national problem and there should be resources to help every state in the union," Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., said while explaining the provisions of the bill, according to ABC News.
The proposed package, which has to be agreed upon by all senators before it can be passed, includes $70 million in credit subsidies to replace the corroded pipes that are leeching lead into Flint's drinking water. The bill also makes provisions for subsidized loans $100 million for states with tainted water and $50 million for public health programs, reported The Washington Post.
Cruz's objections were disclosed by Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), vice chairman of the Senate Democratic Conference, who told reporters that while Democrats were ready to vote, a Republican was still not on board. "It's a presidential candidate. I'm not to name names," Schumer said.
