[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 25 (Thursday, February 11, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H720]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CALIFORNIA'S DEVASTATING DROUGHT

  (Mr. COSTA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on the current status 
of California's devastating drought.
  I urge the California State and Federal agencies to maximize the 
pumping of water in the delta to the allowable legal limits.
  As a result of State and Federal agencies' inability to operate at 
the most flexible range available under the Biological Opinions of the 
Endangered Species Act, over 44,000 acre-feet of water has been lost 
just this last week during these El Nino conditions, and over 131,000 
acre-feet of water has been lost this year, water that could be used to 
grow crops and to feed people. This is morally wrong.
  Congress must pass legislation to provide relief for the people of 
the San Joaquin Valley and California. Senator Feinstein's introduction 
of water legislation is a critical step. I urge the Senate to pass her 
legislation so we can enter into negotiations with the House-passed 
bill, which I strongly support.
  Time is of the essence. Every day of delay only results in further 
losses of the vital water that is necessary for the people of the 
valley and the people of California. Californians need to use this 
water during these times of El Nino conditions.
  I urge that we do the right thing.

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