Hillary Clinton

Democratic presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton speaks at the NBC, YouTube Democratic presidential debate at the Gaillard Center, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)

((AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton))

FLINT, MI -- Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton took the national spotlight during Sunday night's debate to discuss the Flint water crisis.

Clinton, who recently called the water crisis unconscionable and expressed outrage over supposed inaction by Gov. Rick Snyder to the situation, said "I spent a lot of time last week being outraged by what's happening in Flint, Michigan and I think every single American should be outraged."

Hillary Clinton on Flint water crisis: "Every single American should be outraged" #DemDebate https://t.co/fXJADv5OK9 — NBC News (@NBCNews) January 18, 2016

"We've had a city in the United States of America where the population which is poor in many ways, and majority African-American has been drinking and bathing in lead contaminated water and the governor of that state acted as though he didn't really care," she said. "He had requests for help that he basically stonewalled. I'll tell you what, if the kids in a rich suburb of Detroit had been drinking contaminated water, and being bathed in it there would've been action."

Hillary for America National Political Director Amanda Renteria and Policy Advisor Mike Schmidt recently met with Weaver to discuss the ongoing water crisis.

During their meeting, Renteria and Weaver discussed the urgent need for action from Snyder, as well as the urgent need of support from the federal government.

Clinton also discussed appearing on a television show on which "I said it was outrageous that the governor hadn't acted and within two hours he had."

She appeared on the Rachel Maddow show on Jan. 14, on which Clinton said ""This is infuriating to me. I did a lot of work on trying to get rid of lead in residential housing in Upstate New York. I care deeply about this issue. We know it has effects on behavior and educational attainment."

Dave Murray, press secretary for the governor, said in a statement Monday that "Such comments from political candidates who are not working toward a solution to the problems only serve as a distraction from the vital work that is being accomplished."

"Gov. Snyder is focused on helping the people of Flint, not politics," Murray said. "We're working to get everyone in the city faucet filters and replacement cartridges, bottled water and test kits immediately as we move forward with long-term plans to protect the health and safety of Flint residents."

A series of tweets on Snyder's Twitter page late Sunday night to the similar effect discussed the governor's Jan. 5 declaration of a state of emergency in Genesee County, activation of the Michigan National Guard and request to President Barack Obama for help from the federal government.

We are committed to ensuring every Flint resident has access to clean & safe drinking water. To find out more visit https://t.co/cOx8XPocxI — Rick Snyder (@onetoughnerd) January 18, 2016

Another tweet reads "Political statements and finger pointing from political candidates only distract from solving the Flint water crisis."

We have requested federal emergency & disaster. Request for major disaster declaration was denied: https://t.co/NxS8eEZvtb — Rick Snyder (@onetoughnerd) January 18, 2016

The state has distributed more than 27,000 cases of bottled water, 50,000 water filters and 168,000 water filter replacement cartridges since the emergency declaration on Jan. 5.

President Obama signed an emergency declaration Jan. 16 over Flint's water crisis, a little over 24 hours after Snyder's request.

"We appreciate the support of the White House in approving our request for an emergency declaration," said Murray.

The declaration means the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been approved to provide assistance for up to 90 days for resources including water, filters, replacement cartridges and test kits for residents, according to a statement from the governor's office.

Resources totaling up to $5 million can be used for federal emergencies, with a state match required of 25 percent. Additional funding would be possible, if approved by Congress.

A major disaster declaration called for by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, typically used for natural events, fires, floods or explosions, was denied, and the state is exploring appeal options.

In wrapping up her remarks on Flint's water situation, Clinton said "I want to be a president who takes care of the big problems and the problems that are affecting the people of our country every day."

Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has also discussed Flint's water woes of late, going so far as to ask for Snyder's resignation over the ongoing situation.