Congresswoman Matsui Statement on Passage of the House Republicans' So-Called Emergency Drought Legislation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, December 9, 2014

CONTACT: JONELLE TRIMMER
(202) 225-7163

Congresswoman Matsui Statement on Passage of the House Republicans' So-Called Emergency Drought Legislation

Voted against legislation that would jeopardize northern California water rights; override the Endangered Species Act and harm the Delta

Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06) issued the following statement in response to House passage of H.R. 5781, the so-called "California Emergency Drought Relief Act":

"Today I voted against H.R. 5781, hastily-drafted legislation that is nothing more than a water grab. Despite its misleading name this bill would not provide drought relief for California. Instead it overrides the Endangered Species Act and would allow more water to be pumped from the Delta, regardless of whether or not the Delta has the water to spare. It would threaten northern California's senior water rights and give up California's right to control its own water future.

"Unfortunately, the bill passed today further divides our state at a time when we need to be working together to provide relief for California. To truly tackle California's long-term water woes, we need serious, balanced proposals that include input from all stakeholders."

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