House passes freshman Rep. McNerney's first bill

WASHINGTON - Score one for the San Joaquin Valley freshman.

In a choreographed move, the House on Thursday approved the first bill written by Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton. The bill could help local communities boost water supplies. It could also help McNerney position himself for re-election next year in cities like Tracy, Ripon and Manteca.

"Everyone recognizes the need for clean water," McNerney said. "It doesn't matter where you live or what your political persuasion is. We all need clean water."

McNerney's bill, approved on a 368-59 vote, offers up to $125 million in grants for communities seeking alternative water sources.

These could include wastewater reuse or water recycling programs.

"It's vitally important to identify new sources of water for use in agriculture, industry and for residential consumption," McNerney said.

A member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, McNerney is listed as the chief author of the "Healthy Communities Water Supply Act." The legislation, though, predates his service in the House. Therein lies some political maneuvering.

McNerney took office in January, after defeating Republican Rep. Richard Pombo of Tracy. Democratic leaders know McNerney is likely to face a tough challenge in 2008, as Republicans hold a 53 percent to 45 percent voter registration advantage in the San Joaquin County portion of the district.

Leaders frequently secure good committee assignments and legislative opportunities for potentially endangered freshmen. Last year, before McNerney was in office, the chief author of the water grants bill was Rep. Ellen Tauscher, D-Antioch. Tauscher, in turn, was building on a grants program begun in 2000.

Tauscher's bill won committee approval in May 2005, but then died while the House remained under Republican control. This year, with Democrats in charge, McNerney was listed as the bill's chief author and Tauscher took a supporting role.

"As Californians, we know how precious every drop of water is," Tauscher said.

More broadly, House Democratic leaders brought the bill to the floor as part of what they termed, in talking points distributed to Democratic press secretaries, "Clean Environment Week." Several other, generally non-controversial bills were also brought up for votes.

McNerney's legislation authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency to issue grants to state and local agencies, private utilities and non-profit organizations. The bill itself still needs approval by the Senate.

The legislation, though, does not guarantee funding. The money would arrive only if Congress takes the next step and appropriates funds.

Still fearful about the potential cost, Republicans threw up a roadblock with an amendment requiring any spending to be offset by other cuts. The amendment had the support of Republican Reps. George Radanovich of Mariposa and Devin Nunes of Visalia, and it briefly shed light on the fiscal balancing act Congress undertakes with legislation. In the end, the amendment failed by a largely party-line 256-176 vote.

"This is a matter of principle," insisted Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga. "It's a matter of making a statement."

About the writer:

• The Bee's Michael Doyle can be reached at (202) 383-0006 or mdoyle@mcclatchydc.com.