Devin Nunes RSS Articles

BREAKING NEWS: Water Bill Passes Committee – Heads to Full House

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Today, the House Natural Resources Committee approved on a bipartisan basis H.R. 1837, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act. The bill will restore the flow of water to farms and rural communities, while protecting the property rights of all Californians. It will also make unnecessary the construction of a $12 billion peripheral canal to bypass the Bay-Delta.

“I commend the hard work of Chairman Doc Hastings, Subcommittee Chairman Tom McClintock, and Rep. Jeff Denham. Their efforts are greatly appreciated by the people who have suffered under government-imposed water shortages,” said Rep. Devin Nunes.

“Today’s action sends a strong message to the people of California that House Republicans are fighting to deliver water, jobs, and security to their communities. Our work today comes after years of negligence by Democratic super-majorities and is the first step in keeping our promise to Sacramento and San Joaquin Valley residents,” Nunes continued.

During the prolonged committee markup, bill opponents complained about the complexity of the issue and the lack of time they had to consider it. However, the most vocal critics of the bill were the same lawmakers who refused to offer their own plan or allow debate of the Nunes plan during Democratic super-majorities.

“This bill is a remarkable North-South compromise that will protect all water users. Those who continue to obstruct the bill are being exposed for their extreme views. This is particularly true of California’s Senators who have yet to offer any alternatives to H.R. 1837. Feinstein and her allies can kill H.R. 1837, they can write their own bill and pass it or they can continue to do nothing. Whatever they choose, they will have to defend their position to the people of California. There will be no more hiding,” said Nunes.

The Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act has broad support from throughout the state. Cities, counties, and water districts from Kern County to the Oregon border have endorsed the bill.

For more information, please visit www.nunes.house.gov/water.

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Nunes water bill advances

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Representative Devin Nunes (CA-21) today announced that the House Natural Resources Committee has scheduled a markup for H.R. 1837, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act. The markup will occur on Thursday, February 16, 2012. Consideration by the full House is expected in the coming weeks.

"I am pleased that after four years of inaction by Democratic super-majorities in Congress, we are now – under Republican leadership - able to move forward with a solution to California’s government-imposed drought,” said Rep. Devin Nunes.

"This legislation is a comprehensive regional solution to water shortages that have been caused by failed government policies, not actual shortages of water. We have crafted a good bill that not only restores the flow of water but will ultimately make unnecessary the construction of a $12 billion canal to bypass the Bay-Delta.”

The Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act ends policies that have failed for 20 years, restores water rights, cuts costs, and paves the way for measurable environmental improvements.

Water Recovery
The Act restores water deliveries that were cut off by environmental lawsuits and overreaching federal regulation. The Act recovers the lost water that was dedicated to a failed $1 billion salmon restoration plan.

A Reliable Water Supply
The Act ensures water reliability by restoring long-term water contracts that were curtailed by radical environmentalists. The Act ensure a stable water supply by mandating compliance with the water accord agreed to by the State of California, the federal government, water agencies, and environmental organizations. The Act streamlines environmental regulatory processes to speed up water reliability projects and transfers. The Act expands the use of the Central Valley Project to allow water deliveries by non-federal sources. The Act ends the bizarre effort to protect non-native species and focuses efforts on native species thereby ensuring environmental water is used for a beneficial purpose.

Cutting Costs
The Act addresses the budget realities faced by all levels of government and terminates the ostentatious and misguided $1 billion salmon restoration program. It also nullifies the need to construct of a canal to bypass the Bay-Delta, savings $12 billion. The Act reduces the debt by $300 million by incentivizing early pay-off of the Central Valley Project federal loan. The Act establishes transparency and accountability measures to protect taxpayers from frivolous spending on failed environmental projects.

Secures Private Property Rights
The Act protects and secures all water rights that are senior to federal water rights. The Act settles a long standing dispute over area-of-origin water rights.

For more information visit www.nunes.house.gov/water

Statement On The Payroll Tax Cut

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Rep. Devin Nunes released the following statement regarding the vote today in the House of Representatives to extend the payroll tax cut:

"The President demanded a one-year extension to the payroll tax cut and the House of Representatives agreed by passing a one-year extension. The Senate disregarded prudent policy by passing a mere 60-day extension and ran home for Christmas. This is unacceptable and creates economic uncertainty for working families and businesses. The Senate needs to return to Washington and join Republicans at the negotiating table to hammer out a long-term package. We have eleven days remaining to do what is right for the country."

House Committee holds oversight hearing on California high-speed rail

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Today Congressman Devin Nunes testified before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which held an important oversight hearing on the skyrocketing cost of California high-speed rail.

“The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure gave opponents of California high-speed rail a unique opportunity to tell members why they oppose this growingly unpopular project,” said Congressman Nunes. “We need to look for better options to high- speed rail, such as freight rail and other transportation projects that are more beneficial to California and don’t bankrupt our state. Chairman Mica should be praised for showing considerable leadership in holding this hearing.”

“The Administration’s so-called high-speed rail program continues to take us in the wrong direction, as the continued implosion of the California project continues to demonstrate. Congressman Nunes clearly highlighted Californians’ growing frustration with this project today, and I appreciate his participation in this informative hearing,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John L. Mica.

You can watch Congressman Nunes’ testimony here.

Obama’s Jobs Plan Kills San Joaquin Valley Jobs

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Nunes today released the following statement following the White House announcement that the San Joaquin River restoration would be one of President Obama’s top 14 infrastructure projects.

“This announcement is astounding. The President claims to be for creating jobs but unless you are a career activist in the radical environmental movement, you are simply out of luck.

With California in such dire economic straits and with the federal debt piled higher than at any point in our nation’s history, it is both irresponsible and unfathomable that the President has chosen such a wasteful and ill-conceived project as a national priority.

House Republicans have voted twice to defund this boondoggle because we believe that creating jobs is more important than environmental extremism.

Meanwhile, today’s announcement gives residents of the San Joaquin Valley irrefutable proof that President Obama does not regard their jobs and economic prosperity as a national priority,” said Rep. Devin Nunes.

For more information, see Congressman Nunes blog here.

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Obama High Priority: Killing San Joaquin Valley Jobs

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

President Obama claims to support jobs through investments in infrastructure. Yet his actions suggest his real priority is to deliver political favors to left-wing activists.

Here is what the President promised on November 2, 2011—

“no more earmarks, no more bridges to nowhere. We're going to stop the picking of projects based on political gain and start picking them based on two criteria: how badly they're needed out there and how much good they'll do for our economy.”

President Obama recently announced 14 high priority federal infrastructure projects around the nation. According to the White House, “the President directed agencies to expedite environmental reviews and permit decisions for a selection of high priority infrastructure projects that will create a significant number of jobs” (see here).

One of the 14 projects is located in the San Joaquin Valley but it is expected to eliminate jobs, not create them. Conservative estimates of job losses, using the methodology of radical environmentalists, demonstrate that 3,000 jobs will be lost due to reduced water supplies (see explanation of reduced water supply and employment here). Also, due to the excessive cost of the project (more than $1 billion), taxpayers will be forced to shell out $21 million per fish for the “restored” salmon run.

With all of the significant challenges facing America today, including historic deficits and unprecedented debt, it is astounding that the President would view the job killing San Joaquin River restoration as a high national priority. However, it is not the first time we have witnessed politics and not policy rule the White House.

Less than two years ago the President offered a pre-election Halloween treat to Valley Democrats when he funded the infamous California high speed rail program in the Central Valley—an earmark that targeted assistance to one vulnerable Democratic Congressman. The project is a national disgrace and has been labeled the “train to nowhere” around the country (details here).

Today’s announcement has handed Senator Dianne Feinstein, the Natural Resources Defense Council and its allies an early Christmas treat by making the San Joaquin River restoration a high national priority. It will cost us precious water and thousands of jobs while damaging the environment by adding stress to a severely depleted aquifer.

For the people of the San Joaquin Valley, their communities and livelihoods, President Obama is likely to be remembered as the worst President in American history.

Nunes Reacts to High Speed Rail Plan to Spend $98 Billion

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 GMT

"The business plan released today should convince even the most loyal high speed rail advocate to re-examine the project. For years, government watchdogs – including the state’s own auditor – have warned of the pervasive mismanagement and deceptive assumptions used by the High Speed Rail Authority. Now we are provided a business plan that pegs the cost of completing the bullet train at $98 billion. It simply isn’t going to happen – not unless the Authority can convince the Chinese government to underwrite the balance of the cost. As I have said before, this is a financially irresponsible and reckless program and it should be terminated. I will oppose any further federal participation and hope the leaders of California will come to their senses.” Rep. Devin Nunes.

Nunes Launches Mobile Device Application

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Rep. Devin Nunes announced the launch of a new mobile device application for Apple OS powered smart phones. The app, simply called the Devin Nunes App, will also be released for Android devices in the coming weeks.

“The purpose of this project is to offer my constituents high value information in a timely manner and to make it easier for them to share information,” said Rep. Nunes.

“For a long time, elected leaders had to rely on third parties to publicize their work. The news cycle drove a lot of public debate. Today, I think that relationship has been transformed. With modern technology, elected leaders can communicate directly with the people and the people can and do drive the debate themselves. The Tea Party is an example of this but they aren’t alone. My new app makes my record more accessible and will help inform the public debate.”

The Devin Nunes App is available in the iTunes App Store today. It is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices. The app will be released in the Android Market in the coming weeks.

The Devin Nunes App features:

The Nunes Daily – read Congressman Nunes’ daily news clips, featuring content covering the San Joaquin Valley, California, and the world.
The Nunes Wire – view the latest statements, press release, blogs and publications produced by Congressman Nunes.
Video Library – check out video featuring Congressman Nunes including coverage of official Congressional proceedings, Nunes events, and other original content.
Interact – share content with friends using Facebook, twitter and other online services.
Contact – share your views with Congressman Nunes.

Congressman Nunes is the first California Representative to commission mobile device applications for both the Apple and Android device platforms. Together, they represent 68% of the smart phone market in the United States.

Obama Interior Department rife with zealots

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 GMT

The Department of Interior, established in 1849, once led the development of the world’s most ambitious infrastructure projects. Those projects included such visionary work as the construction of Hoover Dam, which remains one of the world’s largest structures, as well as the Central Valley Project, an unprecedented system of reservoirs and canals that protect the Central Valley of California from crippling water shortages and menacing floods.

These great achievements stand in sharp contrast to the Department of Interior we are witnessing today; one that has broken new ground in misleading rhetoric, dishonesty, and outright illegal behavior. I refer to the recent ruling of U.S. District Court Judge Oliver Wanger, whose unprecedented commentary has sent shockwaves through Washington.

The hearing transcript, released earlier last week, is extraordinary. In it, the Presiding Judge lamented that the federal government had not only violated the law in pursuit of water restrictions impacting the San Joaquin Valley, but had also attempted to deceive the court in justifying those restrictions. It is now up to Congress to determine whether this deception was intentional, coordinated, and sanctioned by agency officials.

The Judge continued his commentary, revealing that the expert witnesses chosen by the government provided no scientific basis for their views and behaved like zealots. He then exclaimed “I have never seen anything like it.”

Irrespective of who is in the White House, there can be no home in a regulating body for zealots. In this case, it appears that the Department of Interior’s entire Bay-Delta regulatory regime has been infected with men and women whose motives are inconsistent with the application of our laws. How many other areas of the Obama Administration are corrupted by such practices? Is it now accepted procedure to tailor scientific findings to fit the Administration’s political agenda?

To determine the extent of the corruption infecting the Department of Interior and in response to the concerns outlined by the court, I am calling on House leaders to open an immediate investigation. If Judge Wanger’s statements are correct, they demonstrate a well coordinated attempt to circumvent the law. For this reason, Congress must move to expeditiously secure and protect records associated with this case.

Read more at the Washington Examiner: http://washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/op-eds/2011/09/obama-interior-department-rife-zealots#ixzz1ZkWvcYhd

Federal Court Eviscerates Obama Water Policy

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Rep. Devin Nunes called on House leaders to use Congressional Oversight authority to investigate the abuses of the Department of Interior in light of a recent court ruling calling into question the integrity and leadership of the department.

“The House should open an immediate investigation into the actions of Secretary Salazar and others at Interior in relation to California water policy. The recent U.S. District Court Ruling, citing illegal actions and abuse of power on the part of Interior, must be addressed,” said Rep. Nunes.

Despite a bruising court ruling that eviscerated the scientific basis for the Obama Administration’s Delta policies, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar remains committed to reducing California’s water supply. In a recent speech before the Commonwealth Club of San Francisco, the Secretary re-affirmed his agency’s vision for California, which is projected to dry up hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland in the San Joaquin Valley.

“As one of the masterminds of unprecedented water shortages in California, Salazar has helped transform his agency into one that threatens the water supplies of communities rather than one that offers them water security. His remarks at the Commonwealth Club were dishonest and entirely political. They had no basis in reality and have sidelined the Secretary’s credibility, to the extent there was any left, in the House of Representatives,” said Rep. Nunes.

During his remarks at the Commonwealth Club, Salazar attempted to frame his actions as visionary and collaborative. The Secretary also associated his efforts to reduce California’s fresh water supply with those of the men and women who built California’s enormous state and federal water projects. In a letter transmitted to the Secretary today, Nunes noted that “under your leadership, the Department of Interior has systematically attacked the very infrastructure you praise.”

Congressman Nunes is the author of the San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act and has championed reforms needed to protect California’s water supply from zealots described by the U.S. District Court as “deceptive and unscientific.”