Last week the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Western Water and American Food Security Act, which promises to bring more water to valley farmers. Written by Hanford Republican David Valadao, and co-sponsored by Fresno Democratic Rep. Jim Costa, the bill would change the way the government manages water in the Sacramento San Joaquin Delta and threatened species. It would also make major changes to the plan to restore the San Joaquin River.
The bill has drawn criticism from environmental groups and President Obama, who has threatened to veto the measure if it reaches his desk. It's now up to the Senate to take up its own water legislation. In that body, influential California Senator Dianne Feinstein gave a mixed response to the House bill, praising some elements while saying others violate environmental law.
Congressman Valadao recently joined us on Valley Edition to talk about the bill and his thoughts on the chances of it actually becoming law.