[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 113 (Wednesday, July 13, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H4826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   ADDRESSING THE CALIFORNIA DROUGHT

  (Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, today I rise to 
speak on the provisions included in the fiscal year 2017 Interior 
appropriations bill to address the California drought.
  The language is well intentioned and seeks to alleviate some of the 
issues that we Californians are facing because of the drought. However, 
we have to take into account all impacts of increased pumping and how 
it affects our river ecosystems, our fishing economy, and our wildlife 
associated with the San Joaquin River.
  I support increased pumping to aid those affected by the drought, 
especially in the Central Valley. If you had gone to see some of those 
homes, it is really damaging.
  But we also have to take a look at the long-term impact. We need to 
look at developing our long-term water sustainability and our 
infrastructure, as we have done in Orange County, in my home district, 
where we were able to avoid some of the terrible effects of this 
drought because we invested, over the last 15 years, in water 
reclamation and water recapture. About 90 percent of the water that we 
use in my hometown is completely recycled.
  As I have said before, we need to pass drought legislation, and we 
need to listen to all of the stakeholders.

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