Thompson Introduces Comprehensive Drought Relief Bill

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5) today introduced comprehensive drought relief legislation he co-authored with Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-2) that will provide assistance to farmers and ranchers, businesses, and communities suffering from the record drought in California and other western states. The legislation provides emergency relief to affected agricultural producers and fishing communities, funds emergency drought relief projects, maintains environmental protections, and ensures that the United States will be better-prepared to respond to future droughts and natural disasters.

"This bill provides comprehensive relief to our entire state without putting the needs of some California water users above others," said Thompson. "The bill is transparent, based on sound science, builds on the efforts of Senators Feinstein and Boxer, and protects the interests of farmers, fishers, businesses and other water users in the northern, central and southern parts of our state."

Original co-authors of the legislation include Grace Napolitano (CA-32), Peter DeFazio (OR-4), George Miller (CA-11), John Garamendi (CA-3), Jerry McNerney (CA-9), Doris Matsui (CA-6), Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18), Sam Farr (CA-20), Jackie Speier (CA-14), Ami Bera (CA-7), Juan Vargas (CA-51), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), and Scott Peters (CA-52).

This comprehensive legislation stands in stark contrast with H.R. 3964, the partisan drought legislation by the House Majority in early February. H.R. 3964 would allow water to be pumped south from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta for as long as water is available. If enacted, the bill would devastate Bay-Delta communities, harm drinking water, and jeopardize thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of economic activity.

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