Providing for Consideration of Senate Amendments to H.R. 146, Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009

Floor Speech

PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE AMENDMENTS TO H.R. 146, OMNIBUS PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2009 -- (House of Representatives - March 25, 2009)

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Mr. NUNES. Madam Speaker, around the world today, more than 1 billion people do not have access to water. Conflict rages among populations on every continent for the control of this vital resource. In the undeveloped world, violence and bloodshed often determine winners and losers. And, indeed, brutal dictators like Robert Mugabe have taken water from their own people as a means of control.

Most Americans would never believe our government is capable of such an act, the intentional drying up of entire communities. That is what the San Joaquin River Settlement does to central California.

Madam Speaker, the Democrat leadership in Congress clearly has no interest in the economic prosperity of the San Joaquin Valley and no compassion for those suffering due to manmade water shortages.

This legislation will ensure higher unemployment in a region nearing 20 percent unemployment. The poverty you are creating is unprecedented. This body's cruelty in the face of suffering is beyond belief.

If this Congress isn't capable of delivering water to people, perhaps we can ask the United Nations for help. Maybe they would be willing to deliver water, distribute humanitarian aid and rebuild the San Joaquin Valley you seem so committed to destroying.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this rule and vote ``no'' on this bill.

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