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December 8, 2016

Major Water Bill With Drought Relief Provisions Clears House, Heads To Senate

Earlier today, the House approved a major water bill that includes bipartisan language providing commonsense drought relief to central and southern California.

Passed by a significant margin of 360 to 61, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (S. 612) now moves to the Senate for approval.

As reported on Tuesday, the drought legislation – the product of three years of negotiations between Senator Feinstein and House Majority Leader McCarthy – includes long-term funding authorizations to help California develop new water infrastructure and short-term improvements to the operations of the Delta pumping plants.

Despite the overwhelming support it received from both Republicans and Democrats in the House, S. 612 faces a much stiffer challenge in the Senate, which will move on the bill tomorrow (Friday, December 9), as well as one final hurdle in the White House should it clear the Senate.

We encourage all Western Growers members to contact your senators and the White House IMMEDIATELY to urge their support for passage of S. 612. Help us generate additional momentum by picking up the phone or sharing your thoughts on Twitter TODAY. Click here for talking points and be sure to tag your senators and use #CAwater!

Barbara Boxer                                                     Dianne Feinstein
@SenatorBoxer                                                  @SenFeinstein
(202) 224-3553                                                   (202) 224-3841

Jeff Flake                                                             John McCain
@JeffFlake                                                         @SenJohnMcCain
(202) 224-4521                                                   (202) 224-2235

Michael Bennet                                                  Cory Gardner
@SenBennetCO                                               @SenCoryGardner
(202) 224-5852                                                  (202) 224-5941

White House
@WhiteHouse, @POTUS
(202) 456-1111