[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 125 (Monday, July 13, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING BRAD HILTSCHER OF THE METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN 
                      CALIFORNIA ON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GRACE F. NAPOLITANO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 13, 2020

  Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Madam Speaker, we join together to honor the long 
career of public service provided to the people of Southern California 
by Brad Hiltscher of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern 
California.
  There is no issue that is more controversial for California Members 
of Congress than water policy. The very complicated details of 
California water policy have the ability to divide us by party, by 
geography, and by industry.
  One of the few things that California Members do agree on is our deep 
gratitude for the invaluable expertise we have received from Mr. 
Hiltscher over the past 35 years. We are happy that he is moving on to 
a much deserved retirement at the end of this month, but we will 
greatly miss the reservoir of knowledge that he has provided to our 
offices.
  Brad has provided policy advice that has been at the forefront of the 
water debates and legislation that the Congress has produced over the 
past 3 decades. He helped Congress enact Safe Drinking Water 
reauthorizations, the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act, the 
Moab Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Project, the California Bay-
Delta Restoration Act, the Hoover Dam Reauthorization Act, the Colorado 
River Drought Contingency Plan Authorization Act, and many more pieces 
of important water legislation in the West. Brad's talent is that he is 
able to break down these very complex issues involving historic water 
rights, urban water usage, endangered species, infrastructure, 
interstate agreements, federal programs, and the hundreds of water 
agencies in the West quickly and concisely. He has provided invaluable 
insight to Members of Congress and has always done so by advocating for 
the best interests of Southern California.
  Brad is trusted by both sides of the aisle for being fair and honest, 
which has been demonstrated by the way he conducts bipartisan briefings 
and gives both sides the same policy message without politics.
  Mr. Hiltscher has been an invaluable resource to us, our staff, and 
those of numerous other Members with his expert analysis and advice 
that has informed our legislative work. But we will not only miss his 
knowledge, we will miss his kindness and friendship on Capitol Hill.
  I ask our colleagues to join me, Rep. Calvert, and Sen. Feinstein in 
congratulating Brad Hiltscher on his retirement, and thanking him for 
his long career of public service to the people of Southern California.

                          ____________________