SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN — Congressional candidate Peter Burgelis today criticized Congressman Bryan Steil for touting lead pipe replacement projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law after voting against the legislation and later supporting efforts to claw back funding for similar projects.
“As a local elected official, I know firsthand how devastating lead exposure can be for families,” Burgelis said. “Parents shouldn’t have to wonder whether the water coming from their tap is safe for their children.”
Communities across Wisconsin’s First Congressional District continue replacing aging lead service lines. Racine is working to replace roughly 10,000 lead laterals, while Kenosha, Janesville, Milwaukee, and other communities depend on state and federal support to remove dangerous lead infrastructure.
“These are basic needs, its about keeping lead out of drinking water,” Burgelis said. “When Congress finally stepped up to help with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Bryan Steil voted no.”
Burgelis also criticized Steil for supporting legislation in 2026 that clawed back $125 million previously approved for lead service line replacement projects.
“You can’t vote against the funding, take credit for the results, and then support efforts to take the money away,” Burgelis said. “That’s not leadership. That’s political opportunism.”
Lead exposure remains one of the most serious environmental health threats facing children, particularly in older communities with aging infrastructure.
“Every child deserves safe drinking water regardless of their ZIP code,” Burgelis said. “I’ll fight to protect and expand investments that remove lead from our communities. Bryan Steil voted against them and then tried to take more funding away. The people of southeastern Wisconsin deserve better.”
About the District:
Wisconsin’s 1st Congression District is the Southeast corner of the state and includes Kenosha, Racine, Beloit, Janesville, Whitewater, Lake Geneva, Delevan, Elkhorn, Burlington, Franklin, Hales Corners, Greendale, St Francis, Cudhay, South Milwaukee, and Oak Creek.
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