It's called the San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act. The bill passed the House by a vote of 246-175, leaders said. Ten Democrats supported the bill, they added. The vote was mostly made along party lines. The bill is expected to face an uphill battle as it moves to the U.S. Senate.
It was an at times contentious debate on Capitol Hill Wednesday as lawmakers on both sides argued their cases over the Water Reliability Act, which is sponsored by valley lawmaker Devin Nunes (R-CA).
"You simply can not do this. We have in place a process that's working today for the first time in 40 years," said Rep. George Miller (D-CA), who represents the 7th District.
"If you want a safe food supply, if you want a reliable food supply, make sure we have reliable water delivery. And that's simply all this does," said Rep. Jeff Denham (R-CA), who represents the 19th District.
Supporters say, if signed into law, the bill would improve water management, protect senior water rights, and give Congress direction for the implementation of the Endangered Species Act.
Several political leaders say one of the main sticking points is over a provision that would repeal the San Joaquin River Settlement, which tried to re-establish a salmon run on the San Joaquin River. The provision would replace that with a warm water fishery.
Rep. Jim Costa says the bill is not perfect, but he chose to support it.
"I would hope that at some point that we could put the politics aside. This debate is too important. It has been put off for too long," said Costa (D-CA), who represents the 20th District.
The Bureau of Reclamation recently announced that westside growers will get only 30% of their water allocation this year.
Mark Borba, a fourth generation grower who farms near Huron, says reduced water supplies will likely force him to plant about 500 acres less of cotton this year.
Borba says he supports the bill.
"It is long overdue, and I'm happy that the debate is finally taking place," said Borba.