WASHINGTON, D.C., December 9, 2014 - House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04) released the following statement today after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5781, the California Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2014, by a bipartisan vote of 230 to 182. This bill, sponsored by Reps. David G. Valadao (CA-21), Kevin McCarthy (CA-23), Ken Calvert (CA-42), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Tom McClintock (CA-04), and Devin Nunes (CA-22), would provide short-term, emergency relief to the drought that’s hurting California’s communities and causing negative economic impacts nationwide.

“Today’s approval of the California Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2014 marks the second time this Congress that the House has taken bipartisan steps to provide relief to communities and families impacted by this devastating drought.  The effects of this drought – from soaring unemployment to higher food prices - are being felt not only in California but across the Nation.  I commend my colleagues from California on their ongoing work and dedication to this issue and urge the Senate to take immediate action on this legislation to address the dire situation.”