Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder testifies about Flint water crisis

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder was a star witness at a hearing Thursday before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. The session was the second of two Flint-related hearings the panel is conducting this week.

Environmental Protection Agency chief Gina McCarthy also testified. McCarthy faults state officials for the crisis, which occurred when Flint switched from the Detroit system and began drawing from the Flint River to save money. The impoverished city was under state management at the time.

Snyder, a Republican, asked to testify to Congress last month, bowing to demands by Democrats that he explain his role in a cost-cutting move that resulted in a public health emergency that has rocked Flint and caused ripples in the presidential campaign, where Democrats have called for Snyder to step down.

- Associated Press