Addressing the Western Drought

Floor Speech

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Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my extreme disappointment in the majority's unwillingness to address the western drought.

A couple weeks ago, I introduced three amendments to the Energy and Water Appropriations bill, each of which would make strides toward alleviating the devastating drought in California.

My first amendment, which would extend funding authorizations for water storage projects under the WIIN Act for 1 year, would allow California to make the most of our wet years and ensure families and farmers have a clean, reliable source of water in times of drought. My colleagues in the majority voted ``no.''

My second amendment would codify the 2019 Biological Opinions, following the most accurate and best available science. Following the science and putting the needs of people before fish should really be a no-brainer. My colleagues in the majority voted ``no.''

My third amendment would create a grant program to fund the acceleration and completion of repairs to damaged canal infrastructure facilities to enable farmers to comply with State pumping limits. My colleagues in the majority voted ``no.''

Real people need our help, and it is clear the majority is unwilling to provide it. I will not stop fighting to bring a solution to the Central Valley.

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