WASHINGTON _ With little clout in Sacramento, Republicans are trying to use their power in Washington to reshape California's water policies.
Less than two weeks after state regulators announced sweeping new water allocation limits, the GOP-controlled House is expected this week to pass spending legislation that would block federal funding for that allocation plan. It also includes measures that would bar legal challenges to major water infrastructure projects in the state.
On Friday, Republican Rep. Jeff Denham of California is hosting Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke in his district to "discuss the administration's potential role in improving water infrastructure and protecting Valley water rights."