Sam Farr: “Mr. Chairman, we are here as lawmakers. I will not disagree with anything that has been said by the previous speakers…”

“Mr. Chairman, we are here as lawmakers. I will not disagree with anything that has been said by the previous speakers, but I think they have failed to read the law that they are asking the Members to adopt. That law as it comes to the floor says that consultation conferencing is not required for any agency for the reconstruction, the operation, the maintaining or repairing of Federal or non-Federal flood control projects, facilities, or structures. Then it lists the reasons why. But it also says it will also apply when it consists of maintenance, and including operation of a facility in accordance with previously issued Federal license, permit, or other authorized law. What this says is that you no longer have to consult or confer with people when you are going to build a dam, when you are going to operate a dam, when you are going to build any kind of structure. Why is this consultation important? It does not say just in floods. It says any time, any time. It could be just clear, beautiful, sunny weather; ignore the endangered species, ignore the species, because endangered species goes into looking at all species. I happen to represent a lot of fishermen. Their fish depend on water quality and water flows. What this is saying is that the farming interests here or the interests of those who maintain levees should supersede the rights of those who benefit from the water. That is not what this Congress wants to do.”