Louie Gohmert: “I rise in support of H.R. 813. H.R. 813 does enjoy bipartisan support from the Orange County, California delegation.…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 813. H.R. 813 does enjoy bipartisan support from the Orange County, California delegation. This legislation seeks to reduce Southern California's dependence on imported water by helping localities build needed desalinization infrastructure in the region. Congressman Gary Miller's bill could not be considered at a better time since millions of water consumers in Southern California may soon feel the brunt of water rationing due to a lawsuit and subsequent judicial decision reducing water deliveries to the region. A number of our colleagues, on a bipartisan basis, sent a letter over a month ago requesting that the Democratic majority hold a hearing on the impacts of this decision. This Congress needs to recognize that people are a part of the water equation as well in this endangered species debate. We hope the majority will work with us on this important hearing and ways to avoid future water shut-offs. This legislation may be too late to mitigate harmful lawsuits and judicial decisions, but it will help in the long term; and that is why we support the bill.”