Rob Bishop: “In addition to restoring agricultural productivity in this area, what has been referred to as ``America's salad bowl,''…”

“In addition to restoring agricultural productivity in this area, what has been referred to as ``America's salad bowl,'' this bill is a comprehensive piece of legislation which would reduce Federal spending by $300 million by allowing certain water users, presently obligated to repay Federal loans on water projects in this area, to repay those loans early on a penalty-free basis. In addition, as we are facing unprecedented debt, this bill would stop wasteful spending, terminate over a billion dollars in unproven and unnecessary Federal spending projects, and it codifies the historic, previously-agreed-upon bipartisan State and Federal agreement known as the Bay-Delta Accord. It is pro-environment by restoring warm- water fish habitats. It also protects northern California waterfowl habitat and still helps those who are trying to make a living as farmers in this area. Mr. Speaker, in this body, we always use comparatives and superlatives at the drop of the hat or any other cliche you wish to use. If a bird flies over this Capitol, we will talk about it in superlatives. We often do that. We talk about bills being so important. In this case, I think superlatives are appropriate. This is a significant bill that is life and death for these farmers, and it is unique. Even though it deals with California, there is no other State that has this particular problem. We are not setting any precedent for anywhere else.…”