Barbara Boxer, Kevin McCarthy trade blame over drought relief bill for California WASHINGTON — Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy are publicly blaming each other over who derailed congressional efforts last year to pass a drought relief bill for California. McCarthy, a Republican, has maintained that lawmakers were close to passing legislation last year, but objections from Boxer spoiled negotiations between Sen. Dianne Feinstein and House Republicans. “We almost got to a very strong place,” McCarthy told The Associated Press earlier this month. “Sen. Boxer stopped it.” Boxer told reporters Wednesday that McCarthy made similar comments in a telephone call with her. She said she told him he was dreaming, and that the negotiations faltered because some parties that would be affected by the water bill weren’t allowed to participate. “A leader brings both sides into the room,” Boxer said. The finger-pointing underscores the differences that lawmakers will have to overcome if Congress is to pass legislation that would bring more water to the state’s farm belt. The GOP has strengthened its hand by adding to its ranks in the House and Senate. Still, it could have a difficult time generating veto-proof support if Boxer opposes the measure. On that front, Boxer laid out a few parameters House [...] newsinca/barbara-boxer-kevin-mccarthy-trade-blame-over-drought-relief-bill-for-california/
Posted on: Fri, 23 Jan 2015 23:31:07 +0000
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