Stand Up for Science

Floor Speech

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Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, this month the current administration made the reckless and undeniably partisan decision to begin reconsultation of the 2019 biological opinions.

In its place, the proposed interim operations plan represents a huge step backward in California's effort to protect, restore, and enhance the delta ecosystem and provide reliable water supplies.

The 2019 BiOps were built on years of research, comprehensive peer reviews, and the best available science. They advise the most efficient use of water resources while continuing to protect at-risk species.

These BiOps also allow for greater water availability for the Central Valley farmers that feed the world. Questioning these expert findings is antiscience.

I led the entire Republican California delegation in expressing our grave concern to the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce.

As the California drought worsens, communities in my district face water shortages and farmers are unable to maintain their crops.

I implore my colleagues and this administration to stand up for these suffering families and farmers, stand up for science, and reject this outrageous decision.

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