Jerry McNerney

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Central High School in Morgan Hill, California, which is located in my congressional district. A quality education is the cornerstone of our children's and country's future. A strong educational system ensures that we will remain competitive in an ever growing and interconnected world. We must demand the best from students, excellence from teachers, and the involvement of parents and communities. Central High School is emblematic of the rewards of hard work. Central High's dedication and commitment to quality education has been a model for schools throughout California. The hard work of everyone involved at the school, including teachers, students, and administrators is evident in its exceptional 158 point improvement in the state's Academic Performance Index. This success shows what can be achieved when all stakeholders work together with a focused goal, and is something that will benefit these students their entire lives. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the improvements, accomplishments, and dedication to academic excellence at Central High School.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of the six Sikh Americans that were shot and killed in a senseless act of violence on August 5, 2012. Bhai Seeta Singh, Bhai Parkash Singh, Bhai Ranjit Singh, Satwant Singh Kaleka, Subegh Singh, and Parmjit Kaur Toor were slain without regard to human dignity or the sanctity of life. The people of my district and Americans across the Nation stand in solidarity with the Sikh community. Violence against any group is unacceptable, and I offer my prayers and condolences to the families of the victims in Wisconsin and to Sikhs everywhere. Hate, particularly hate speech, is all too common in today's world. The Sikh community's unified and peaceful response to this hateful attack demonstrates the resilient spirit of the Sikh people. They have shown the world their love of peace, and it is my hope that we can all learn from the Sikh community in the wake of this tragedy. In this great country, there is no room for the prejudice, intolerance and stereotypes that perpetuate hate acts and hate language. I stand beside the Sikh people as they continue to have the strength and dignity to be proud of their long heritage. To show such grace when faced with such a senseless act of violence is a true testament of their honorable culture. I had the unique privilege to stand vigil with the Sikh people from my district. To join together in the face of such animosity was an honor. I commend the Sikh community in my district and around the country for their courageous response. It is for these reasons that I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of the six Sikh Americans who were killed on August 5, 2012.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my colleague, Representative Jerry Costello, who has announced his retirement at the end of this Congress. I am honored to have served with Jerry on two committees, and I respect and admire his bipartisan approach to our work here in Congress. During my first term here in Congress, Jerry addressed an issue in the Science Committee with the force and backing to make a real impression on me. He has provided us all with a model of how a leader can engage in robust debate with respect and an open mind. Whenever a colleague approached Jerry, he has always been willing to listen and give valuable input. Congressman Costello has been a wonderful leader and colleague, providing us with a great example of how we can accomplish things in Congress to benefit the areas we represent. The entire country and I thank Jerry for his 24 years of service to his constituents in Illinois and to all Americans, and while I am sorry to see him go, I wish him the best in his next endeavors.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, big money from corporations and billionaires is corrupting Washington and hurting the middle class. To make matters worse, 2 years ago the Supreme Court decided in the Citizens United case to open up campaign spending to secret, unlimited donations, possibly even from foreign sources. Let's be clear: a handful of corporations and billionaires are trying to buy elections and control of our government. We need new rules to make Washington work for the middle class. We need to limit political contributions, and the public has a right to know who is paying for political ads. Hey, because of Citizens United, our government is for sale. We need to stand shoulder to shoulder to stop Big Money from destroying our democracy.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my friends and colleagues to join me in recognizing the distinguished career of Cosmo Panetta and his 38 years as a small business owner in Pleasanton, California. Cosmo embodies the American Dream, emigrating from Calabria, Italy in 1957. After graduating from Pacific High in San Leandro, he attended Moliere's Barber College. Cosmo obtained his state barber's license and soon bought his own business to serve the residents of the Tri-Valley. Cosmo has been a fixture in the community ever since. He's touched the lives of all those he's come across, including my own. His work ethic is exemplified by his shop's 12-hour workdays and seven-day workweeks. There is even a sign that hangs outside Cosmo's barbershop reading ``1 billion haircuts.'' With exemplary dedication to his adopted country and outstanding service for 38 years, Pleasanton will always be thankful to Cosmo. Grace, diligence and kindness are only a few of the many words that can be used to describe a gentleman of his exceptional character. He is a true example of the American Dream and of what a person can accomplish in our great country. I ask you to join me in honoring Cosmo Panetta for his remarkable service to the City of Pleasanton.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Kiwanis Club of Stockton on the occasion of its 90th anniversary. The Kiwanis Club of Stockton was first chartered in 1922. It is a part of Kiwanis International, a global organization that is represented around the world. Kiwanis International works to make a difference in children's lives by providing grants to local Kiwanis clubs that benefit community projects, scholarships to high school students, and youth leadership programs. In my district, the Kiwanis Club of Stockton works tirelessly to support the youth of the Stockton area. One of the chief ways the Kiwanis Club assists students is through its High School Scholarship Program. Each year, the club awards accomplished high school seniors with funds to help support their college educations. The Kiwanis Club promotes the well-being of children in the community by donating ``wish list'' items to the St. Mary's Service Center in Stockton and by hosting an annual clean up day of Pixie Woods, a local children's park in Stockton. I commend the Kiwanis Club of Stockton for its outstanding service and I have no doubt that its efforts have made, and will continue to make, a positive impact on the lives of many children and families throughout our community. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Kiwanis Club of Stockton on the occasion of its 90th anniversary.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the city of Dublin for its designation as a 2011 ``All-America City'' by the National Civic League (NCL). The NCL established the All-America City Award in 1949. Each year, the NCL presents this award to 10 cities that effectively work to find solutions to local challenges. Dublin was the only city from California to receive this prestigious award in 2011. Dublin was recognized for its tireless work to address the challenges its residents face. The city improved its educational system by supporting the School of Imagination, which is a non-profit preschool that serves children with special needs. Dublin also focused on establishing new sustainability programs and implementing effective affordable housing policies. I commend Dublin's resourcefulness in finding ways to solve problems in the community. Dublin serves as an excellent example to the rest of the Nation of what can be accomplished when communities come together to address common issues. It is my privilege to serve the residents of this great city. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dublin for receiving the All-America City Award.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Girl Scouts of the USA in recognition of the 100th anniversary of its founding. The Girl Scouts has a long and proud history, and I am pleased to recognize the group's achievements and many successes. Since 1912, the Girl Scouts has helped millions of girls develop into strong, confident women of character. With a current membership of 3.2 million people, the Girl Scouts seeks to develop informed and engaged leaders who will make a positive contribution to the world. Many of these leaders can be found here at the U.S. Capitol, where 45 of the 75 congresswomen in the House of Representatives are former Girl Scouts along with 10 of the 17 women senators. These representatives are a testament to the significant impact that the Girl Scouts has made on the lives of American women and the Nation as a whole. The Girl Scouts proclaimed 2012 as the ``Year of the Girl,'' and the organization continues to help girls across this nation reach their full potential. I applaud the dedicated efforts of the Girl Scouts, and I have no doubt that the group's work is just as important today as it was a century ago. I am confident that the Girl Scouts will continue making our country a better place long into the future. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Girl Scouts on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for S. 1302, an important bill to facilitate a land transfer in Tracy, California. I was proud to introduce identical companion legislation in the House of Representatives last year, and I am glad to see S. 1302 on a path to final enactment. S. 1302 allows the city of Tracy to purchase 150 acres of property from the Federal Government. Congress previously conveyed the parcel to the city but placed certain restrictions on its use. This legislation waives these restrictions so long as the city purchases the property at fair market value. Tracy has long-standing plans to build a solar energy project at the site. Building this solar field will create nearly 200 jobs, improve air quality, and increase the availability of renewable energy in California. S. 1302 will also generate revenue for the Federal treasury. This bill is a win for Tracy and a win for the taxpayers. S. 1302 is being passed today in the spirit of bicameral, bipartisan cooperation. I would like to thank Senators Boxer and Feinstein for their support of this initiative in the Senate as well as Representatives Denham and Issa for their work here in the House. I look forward to seeing the President sign S. 1302 into law.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to discuss issues affecting veterans throughout California, particularly the VA disability claims backlog and inaccuracy rates at the Oakland regional office. A Vietnam veteran from my district, like many others across the country, is suffering from stage 4 lung cancer caused by exposure to Agent Orange. He made great sacrifices to defend our country, but waited for more than a year for the Oakland office to process his claim. My office was able to help him, but such delays are unacceptable. Unfortunately, long waits have become the norm for veterans in northern California. With more and more veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, it is imperative that the VA take action now to address the backlog in Oakland. While I welcome the news that the entire staff at the facility will be retrained, much more is needed. I call on the VA to implement a concrete plan to address the inaccuracies and delays at the Oakland office. Our region's and Nation's veterans deserve no less.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of Cesar Chavez on the occasion of what would have been his 85th birthday. Cesar Chavez was born on March 31, 1927, near Yuma, Arizona. After losing their family farm, the members of the Chavez family became migrant workers, moving to California and following seasonal harvests around the state. Upon experiencing the exploitation of migrant workers and injustices committed against them, Mr. Chavez became a champion of workers' rights. In 1962, Mr. Chavez and Dolores Huerta co-founded National Farm Workers Association, later known as the United Farm Workers, UFW. Mr. Chavez was inspired by leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and understood the power of non-violence as a tool for change. As a leader of UFW, he used non-violent tactics and strong organizing methods to protest poor working conditions. Mr. Chavez fought for basic improvements for farm workers such as access to drinking water, shade, and restrooms. He was also a tireless advocate for fair wages and decent living conditions. Cesar Chavez led the fight for the passage of the landmark California Agricultural Labor Relations Act in 1975. This law was the first in the nation to guarantee farm workers the right to organize and bargain collectively. Additionally, his understanding of human suffering led him to fight against the use of the short-handled hoe, which caused personal injury and pain to farm laborers. A California Supreme Court ruling in 1975 banned the use of this tool. Mr. Chavez was known for his spirit as much as his accomplishments. Mr. Chavez and the UFW embraced an empowering and enduring rallying cry that exemplifies his optimism of the human spirit: ``Si se puede,'' or ``Yes we can.'' Cesar Chavez is an inspirational figure in California and throughout our nation. I have no doubt that his efforts have made a positive impact on the lives of countless workers. It is for these reasons that I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Cesar Chavez on the occasion of the 85th anniversary of his birth.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the importance of National Prescription Drug Awareness Month. Throughout California, March is recognized as National Prescription Drug Awareness Month. The purpose of this initiative is to increase community awareness about the dangers that many medications may pose if not used properly. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared prescription drug abuse to be a national epidemic. In 2008, approximately 20,000 people died from prescription drug overdoses. In 2009, 1.2 million emergency department visits were related to misuse or abuse of pharmaceuticals. These numbers are tragic and unacceptable, and we must make every effort to address the issue. Fortunately, the National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse, NCAPDA, is leading the effort to combat this epidemic. NCPDA is hosting a variety of events in California this month to help raise awareness and public engagement in the battle against prescription drug abuse. Education plays a critical role helping children, young adults, and their parents to avoid prescription drug abuse, and education serves an important first step to combating this serious problem. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the important work of the NCAPDA and the role National Prescription Drug Awareness Month can play in preventing the loss of loved ones across the country.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with my colleagues Congressman George Miller, Congressman Mike Thompson, Congresswoman Doris Matsui, and Congressman John Garamendi to honor the life of Alexander Hildebrand, who passed away at age 98 on January 23, 2012. Alex was a father, farmer, engineer, and defender of the Sacramento- San Joaquin Delta. Alex graduated with honors from UC Berkeley with a degree in Physics and Chemistry in 1935. Alex went on to have a lengthy career with Standard Oil, working in refining and other areas. During World War II, Alex contributed to the war effort by serving in the Navy Reserves and then as chief engineer at an oil refinery in the Persian Gulf. He took an early retirement from Standard Oil and moved his family to a farm near Manteca in San Joaquin County, California in 1962. Alex loved the land and was working on his farm into his 90s. Alex was a champion of Delta water and agriculture as the consulting engineer to the South Delta Water Agency. Additionally, he served on numerous boards and committees including the San Joaquin Farm Bureau board, the California Farm Bureau water committee, the Delta Water Users board, the Water Education Foundation advisory board, and the California Central Valley Flood Control Association board. He worked to create the San Joaquin River Flood Control Association and was appointed by Governor Wilson to the CalFed Bay Delta Oversight Committee and the CalFed Bay Delta Advisory Committee. Alex also served as president of the McMullin Reclamation District. Alex was a valued and respected leader whose understanding of the Delta and California's water challenges was unsurpassed. Alex was always generous with his time and eager to teach new generations of leaders about the Delta and its precious waterways. Alex's work as an unwavering voice in defense of the Delta and its farmers leaves a legacy that will continue to benefit the people of San Joaquin County and the Delta. It is for these reasons that I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of Alexander Hildebrand and sending our thoughts and prayers to his beloved family and friends.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my friends and colleagues to join me in honoring William Evans, who passed away on February 25, 2012 at the age of 75. Public service was an important part of Bill's life. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a navigator in B 47s and C 141s. In his service with Strategic Air Command, he stood guard against the Soviet threat so his fellow Americans could be secure. When assigned to the Military Airlift Command, he flew regular missions into Vietnam, delivering the supplies necessary to support our troops and bringing home those who had fallen. Bill was a graduate of the Air War College, received recognition for his contributions to the Skylab project, and was awarded the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal. In his civilian career, Bill continued his work safeguarding America by bringing his technical expertise to the guidance of our reconnaissance satellites and interpreting the data they sent back. After retirement, Bill served as a volunteer English teacher in Poland and was a Eucharistic minister for his church. He even learned to be a brakeman as a volunteer with the Niles Canyon Railway. Bill was an active member of the Tri-Valley community who cared deeply about his fellow citizens. He served his community and his fellow veterans as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6298 in Pleasanton, California. Bill was also a highly valued and respected member of my Air Force Academy nomination committee. Bill took a keen interest in helping patriotic young people succeed in their aspirations to serve our nation. Bill was an excellent judge of character, and because of his efforts, the 11th District of California produced more than its share of Air Force Academy cadets. Bill had a tremendous intellect and exemplary character. He was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He will be dearly missed by his friends and by the members our community. I ask you to join me in honoring his life and his service to our great nation.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, someone needs to stand up and defend the delta. I'm standing to express my strong opposition to H.R. 1837. This legislation will do tremendous damage and harm to the San Joaquin Delta, an area that I'm honored to represent. The San Joaquin Delta is a treasure for California and the entire Nation. The delta flows through five counties and sustains major cities, small towns, and lush farmland. Agriculture is the economic backbone of the delta, generating nearly $800 million per year revenue in 2009. Unfortunately, the delta ecosystem is now in decline due to excessive water shipments to the south. Poor water quality is a threat to the region's entire agricultural economy and heritage. H.R. 1837 would even ship more water out of the delta, turning this precious estuary into a salty, stagnant marsh, crushing the local economy, and costing the delta region thousands and thousands of jobs. This bill is a blatant water grab meant to help some communities at the expense of others. Contrary to the conservative principles that this bill's proponents claim to cherish, H.R. 1837 uses the power of the Federal Government to undermine states' rights. Dozens of local governments, businesses, agricultural advocates, environmental groups and others oppose H.R. 1837. I have letters from these groups, and I will insert them into the Record. February 27, 2012. Re OPPOSE H.R. 1837 (Nunes). Hon. John Boehner, Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, The Capitol, Washington, DC. Dear Speaker Boehner: On behalf of the undersigned organizations, we urge you to oppose the ``San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act,'' (H.R. 1837), which was introduced by Representative Nunes. Furthermore, we do not believe that this bill merits a vote by the U.S. House of Representatives. H.R. 1837 overrides the public trust as defined in the California Constitution and state water laws. It reverses the long-standing Congressional principle that the federal government should follow state water law whenever possible. H.R. 1837 would reduce water quality and water availability for Delta communities and Delta farmers. It seeks to ensure water flows to corporate agribusiness in the western and southern San Joaquin Valley at the expense of Delta family farmers. The recently-released Economic Sustainability Report authored by the Delta Protection Commission shows that Delta agriculture is worth $4.2 billion annually and provides tens of thousands of jobs. Delta agriculture and jobs should not be sacrificed to benefit water users in other parts of the state, some of whom do not even use that water for agriculture. H.R. 1837 would hinder efforts to restore fish populations in the Delta. Science-based protections for salmon and other endangered species are required under both California state law and the Endangered Species Act. Since 2009, the State of California has consistently opposed legislation that would weaken the Endangered Species Act in the San Francisco Bay- Delta and Estuary. Title I of H.R. 1837 would substitute measures that were part of a short-term agreement in 1994, when the health of the Delta had not deteriorated so seriously and when recent scientific studies had not yet been done. H.R. 1837 would reverse San Joaquin River restoration, thereby further impacting water quality and quantity for the south Delta. While the San Joaquin River restoration allows for a limited flow of additional water into the south Delta, breaking the promise of San Joaquin River restoration would signal to Delta communities the federal government's sacrifice of the Delta for the preference of another region in California. This deeply-flawed bill joins a long list of water strategies created behind closed doors without input from the Delta communities that rely on a healthy Delta for their livelihoods. It threatens the economic security of families, farmers, and small business owners in the Delta, as well as those in the Delta and Northern California who depend on recreational and commercial fisheries. It also threatens the urban economy surrounding the Delta--an area that is home to four million Californians and that is dependent on the Delta to meet its water user needs. H.R. 1837 deserves your opposition. Sincerely yours, Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, Executive Director, Restore the Delta; Carolee Krieger, President & Executive Director, California Water Impact Network; Ann Johnston, Mayor, City of Stockton, Delta Coalition Chair; Ron Addington, Executive Director, Business Council of San Joaquin County; John Herrick, South Delta Water Agency; Roger Mammon, President, CSBA West Delta Chapter; Bill Jennings, Executive Director, California Sportfishing Protection Alliance; Jack Chapman, State Board President, California Striped Bass Association; John Beckman, Chief Executive Officer, BIA of the Delta; Bobby Barrack, Professional Bass Fisherman, Back to Class Guide Service. Bill Berryhill, Assemblyman, 26th District, California State Assembly; Roger Mammon, President, CSBA West Delta Chapter; Jeff Shields, General Manager, South San Joaquin Irrigation District; Bill Wells, Executive Director, California Delta Chambers & Visitor's Bureau; Jeremy Terhune, Executive Director, Friends of the lower Calaveras River; Steve Dial, Deputy Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer, San Joaquin Council of Governments; Jack Chapman, President, CSBA Sacramento, The River City Chapter; Alyson L. Huber, Assemblymember, 10th District, California State Assembly.

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Someone needs to speak up for the delta communities. I rise to offer a second amendment to H.R. 1837, and I urge my colleagues to consider this amendment. As my colleagues now know, I'm very honored to represent the people of the San Joaquin Delta. The delta is a precious resource that provides tremendous economic benefits to my entire State. Preserving the delta should be a priority to all Californians. Agriculture is the backbone of the delta region, generating nearly $800 million in 2009 and sustaining thousands of jobs. Supporting delta farming is essential to the economic sustainability of the delta region. I'm deeply upset that as currently written, H.R. 1837 will ship vastly more water out of the delta, even though the current shipments are already threatening the water quality for local farmers. Simply put, this bill will steal water from northern California and devastate water quality for our delta farmers. Farmers need fresh water. They don't need salt water for their harvest. That is why I'm offering a simple amendment to make sure that the most harmful provisions of this bill do not come into effect until the Secretary of the Interior certifies that they will not harm the water quality or water availability for delta farmers. Proponents of H.R. 1837 claim their bill is pro-farmer, but the truth is far different. The bill steals water from one part of California to give it to another. If the authors of H.R. 1837 support farmers throughout the entire State of California, then they should support my amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague for his remarks. Drought affects everyone. My big concern here is protecting the water quality of the delta. Right now we see saltwater coming into the delta. We see farmers pumping water and having salt in it, not able to use it, needing additional treatments. All I'm asking is that the Secretary look at the bill and prevent parts of the bill that will deteriorate water quality from going into effect until we're sure that it's safe. We're not asking for anything other than that. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, right now the delta is in a serious decline. We're shipping more water south than is good for the health of the delta. What this bill does is increases water shipments. So I don't see how we can put protection for the delta in a bill, in a provision, that increases shipments when we're already seeing decline in the delta. Again, as I said before, the other side sees they have the votes and they want to go take this water, and that's what this is about. It's about taking water. And our communities, the delta communities have rights to the water. We've been there for a long time. We've been farming this lush farmland. Our farms are very productive. What this will do is turn it into a salt, stagnant pool, and that will destroy a lot of agriculture, more agriculture than would be created in other areas. It'll destroy a lot of jobs. I don't see how people could support this sort of a provision. Mr. Chairman, how much time do I have left?

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, I certainly appreciate the passion of my colleague from California; but if this bill is beneficial to the delta, then why does every delta county oppose the bill? They made it very clear to me their concern: to protect the drinking water. The quality of the drinking water is something that everyone can understand. It seems to me what is happening is that the other side is saying we have the money, we have the votes, let's go get the water. Might makes right. We know in this country that might doesn't make right. We have laws that have been observed. We're working through processes now. To shortcut that process right now and start shipping all this water will devastate our community, and we're going to do everything we can to prevent it. I yield 2 minutes to my colleague from California (Mr. Garamendi).

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I'm honored to represent much of the San Joaquin Delta, and the delta is a precious, precious resource that provides water for urban, industrial, and agricultural uses throughout the State of California. The delta flows through five northern California counties that are home to 4 million people. The delta region is home to big cities, small towns, and lush farmlands. Just like other Californians, the people of the delta deserve access to clean, safe drinking water. I'm deeply concerned that, as currently written, H.R. 1837 will severely erode the quality of our local water resources. This issue is important to public health and to local governments throughout northern California. This bill takes more of our freshwater, and what's left will be saltier and lower quality. Deterioration of delta water increases treatment costs by tens of millions of dollars and requires hundreds of millions of dollars in new capital investments. This bill will hurt the people. Unfortunately, many communities in the delta region are struggling with budget and public health challenges as it is. The last thing we need is for the Congress to pass a bill that threatens our well-being and forces us to spend millions more to just treat our water. It's bad enough to steal somebody's water; it's even worse to steal their water and then charge them millions of dollars for the privilege. This legislation we are considering today should not pass. It will harm the safety of drinking water supplies for delta communities. My amendment makes sure that, before this bill comes into effect, it won't burden the delta with heavy costs and new public health threats. I ask all of my colleagues to support my amendment, which will secure the safety and security of our drinking water.

Mr. McNERNEY. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.