Ami Bera: “This amendment is simple. Supporters of this bill argue that it won't negatively impact upstream users. My constituents…”

“This amendment is simple. Supporters of this bill argue that it won't negatively impact upstream users. My constituents are these upstream users. My amendment protects upstream users, adding safeguards for the five California delta counties. It guarantees that this politically motivated water grab would not harm the quality, quantity, or safety of drinking water supplies for these residents. California is in the middle of a crisis. We need real solutions, not political solutions. Last year was our driest year on record. The snowpack where the State gets over a third of its water is at record lows. We all agree there is a problem. So let's sit down, Democrats and Republicans, and work to find solutions together, not pit one community against another. In the meantime, let's not sacrifice one community. This amendment ensures that. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from California is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Chairman, like Tennyson's rotting mackerel in the moonlight, this amendment shines and stinks. It states the obvious: the bill will not harm delta drinking water supplies. Well, of course it won't. After all, the delta counties are senior to the Central Valley in their water rights and so they have first call on that water. Under this bill, no agency of the State or Federal Government can take that right away.…”