The U.S. House of Representatives passed a Central Valley drought relief bill this week that would cap water supply for environmental purposes, extend existing irrigation contracts, and reduce certain environmental restrictions in Central Valley watersheds.
H.R. 3964 was authored by Republicans in the Central Valley, and cosponsored by most California Republicans. The bill was adopted on a mostly party-line vote of 229 to 191, with Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) one of seven Democrats to vote for the bill. The bill is similar to legislation passed in the House two years ago, and like that bill, H.R. 3964 is not expected to be considered in the Senate. Senators Boxer and Feinstein oppose the bill’s alteration of the San Joaquin River restoration program and are expected to introduce an alternate drought relief bill next week.