California Water Bill To Be Considered On House Floor

Washington D.C. – Congressman Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) made the following statement on the scheduling of H.R. 3964, Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Emergency Water Delivery Act for Floor consideration next week:

"Today, Central Valley farmers and families were dealt another blow when the California Department of Water Resources reduced State Water Project allocations from 5% to 0% in light of yesterday’s finding that the California snowpack is only 12% of its average this time of year. The pressure this decision puts on the already dangerously low reservoirs and groundwater banks is unsustainable. That is why House Republicans have put forth and will vote next week on a solution to California's man-made water problems. This bill, led by Rep. David Valadao (CA-21) and joined by myself and every other California Republican House member, is a responsible answer to the hardship the Central Valley is currently facing.

"Unfortunately, Governor Brown and Senator Feinstein oppose the House solution. Perhaps more disturbing is their failure of leadership in offering a solution of their own to bring Central Valley communities new or additional water. As the House acts on Rep. Valadao’s legislation next week, I urge Governor Brown to use his authority to immediately direct state agencies to relax current state environmental regulations in the delta to ensure any water that does move down the Sacramento River ultimately flows to Kern County and Central California. Absent immediate action, California farmers and communities will continue to be gripped by the damaging effects of the worst drought in a century.”