California's Devastating Drought

Floor Speech

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Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on the current status of California's devastating drought.

I urge the California State and Federal agencies to maximize the pumping of water in the delta to the allowable legal limits.

As a result of State and Federal agencies' inability to operate at the most flexible range available under the Biological Opinions of the Endangered Species Act, over 44,000 acre-feet of water has been lost just this last week during these El Nino conditions, and over 131,000 acre-feet of water has been lost this year, water that could be used to grow crops and to feed people. This is morally wrong.

Congress must pass legislation to provide relief for the people of the San Joaquin Valley and California. Senator Feinstein's introduction of water legislation is a critical step. I urge the Senate to pass her legislation so we can enter into negotiations with the House-passed bill, which I strongly support.

Time is of the essence. Every day of delay only results in further losses of the vital water that is necessary for the people of the valley and the people of California. Californians need to use this water during these times of El Nino conditions.

I urge that we do the right thing.

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