Congresswoman Matsui Statement on Passage of H.R. 3964, the So-Called "Emergency Drought" Legislation

Statement

WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06) issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 3964, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Emergency Water Delivery Act:

"This evening I voted against H.R. 3964, legislation that is a water grab, plain and simple. To say that it would help the drought is grossly misleading, and frankly, irresponsible.

"This legislation throws out the Endangered Species Act, and would allow more water to be pumped from the Delta, despite the fact that there is quite simply no more water to pump. It would threaten northern California's senior water rights and give up California's right to control its own water future. This is unacceptable.

"As the daughter of a Central Valley farmer who grew up on a farm, I deeply understand the value of, and the controversy over, water. There is no silver bullet to solving California's water issues. The issue has been debated for many decades because it is such a critical, and complex, issue for the state.

"Unfortunately, the bill passed today further divides our state at a time when we need to be working together to provide relief for California."

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