This week, the House passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) Conference report entitled the “Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act” (WIIN Act) (S. 612). The WIIN Act also contains provisions to provide drought aid to California. The passage of the WIIN Act in the Senate is uncertain.
Earlier in the week, Senator Boxer, who is the Ranking Member on the Environment and Public Works Committee which has jurisdiction over the WRDA bill, expressed strong concerns about some of the drought-related provisions. She has stated she will not allow the bill to pass if the drought provisions are not removed. Further complicating matters, Senator Feinstein worked with California House Republicans to negotiate the drought language in the bill. Senator Feinstein is very supportive of the WIIN bill and is working towards getting enough votes to secure its passage. It is expected that as a result of Senate procedural rules, the Senate will not consider the WIIN Act until Saturday.