Marcy Kaptur: “I oppose this McClintock amendment because it sounds like a solution in search of a problem. This amendment seeks to…”

“I oppose this McClintock amendment because it sounds like a solution in search of a problem. This amendment seeks to undermine the Endangered Species Act by restricting the Bureau of Reclamation from expending funds on water for the purpose of managing endangered fish populations. While I oppose the spirit of the amendment, I must also object to it because it does absolutely nothing. The Bureau of Reclamation does not purchase water for the purpose of temperature management. The Bureau of Reclamation does not purchase water now, and they have no plans to do it in fiscal year 2016. In fact, due to water scarcity, the price of water is too high. The extreme drought in the West presents significant management challenges, and Bureau of Reclamation biologists should have every tool possible to make decisions and provide a safety net for species nearing extinction. Instead of attempting to undermine the judgment of those professionals, we should be working on solutions to grow the water supply in California. That involves water reuse; increased efficiencies, which have already started; conservation; storm water capture; agricultural practices. The dry West faces very difficult choices, and we want to walk alongside them but with solutions that make sense and that are capable of being implemented. I oppose the gentleman's amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr.…”