[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 177 (Thursday, October 26, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1022]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION OF THE DIANNE FEINSTEIN LAKE TAHOE RESTORATION ACT

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                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 2023

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce a bill cosponsored by 
every California Democrat and the entire Nevada delegation renaming the 
Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-506) in honor of the 
late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). We recognize her legacy and 
leadership spanning more than three decades to Keep Tahoe Blue.
  Among her many accomplishments, Senator Feinstein secured more than 
$715 million in authorized federal funding under this landmark 2000 law 
to conserve Lake Tahoe and the surrounding basin for future 
generations. Senator Feinstein's 2016 amendments to this law provided 
new authorities for the U.S. Forest Service to combat wildfires across 
the Tahoe Basin. These authorities were first employed in combating the 
devastating Caldor Fire in 2021 and in the recovery since.
  Nobody in government has done more to Keep Tahoe Blue than Senator 
Feinstein. She organized the first annual Tahoe Summit in 1997, while I 
served as Deputy Secretary of the Interior during the Clinton 
Administration. The California and Nevada Senators have since rotated 
hosting the Tahoe Summit annually, which I have been honored to attend 
over the years.
  In 1999, Senator Feinstein sponsored the original Lake Tahoe 
Restoration Act, the companion of which by then-Congressman John T. 
Doolittle (R-CA) was enacted into law in the year 2000. In the 114th 
Congress, I was honored to sponsor the companion to Senator Feinstein's 
``Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2015'' with then-U.S. Senator Dean 
Heller (R-NV), which was enacted into law the following year.
  Under the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (Division AA of 
Public Law 116-260), she worked with Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV), 
U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), and me to authorize the U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers new invasive species in alpine lakes pilot project 
to safeguard Lake Tahoe. Under the Water Resources Development Act of 
2022 (Title LXXXI of Public Law 117-263), she worked again with us to 
secure an additional $25 million in federal funding for restoration 
efforts across the Lake Tahoe Basin, such as restoration of the Upper 
Truckee River and Marsh.
  This past March, Senator Feinstein sponsored the ``Lake Tahoe 
Restoration Reauthorization Act of 2023'' with the entire Nevada 
delegation to provide an additional $415 million in federal funding 
until 2034. I can think of no better tribute to Senator Feinstein's 
decades of leadership to help conserve Lake Tahoe than passing this 
bipartisan reauthorization into law. I am deeply saddened by the 
passing of this amazing public servant, longtime friend, and treasured 
colleague. Senator Feinstein will be missed dearly, but her legacy will 
endure through the lives of the countless Californians she improved 
during her storied life and career.
  My colleagues and I from the California and Nevada delegations are 
honored to recognize Senator Feinstein's tireless advocacy for our 
public lands by sponsoring this bill to rename the landmark Lake Tahoe 
Restoration Act in her honor. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all members to 
join us in cosponsoring this bill.

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