I VOTED.

NO on Final Passage of H.R. 3144 (no short title; Columbia River fisheries restoration override), which would mandate continued use of an unlawful operation plan for a series of federal dams in the Federal Columbia River Power System that jeopardize salmon and orca recovery in the Northwest. It is estimated that the amount of salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River Basin is more than 10 million fish below historical levels, with 8 million of this loss attributed to the hydropower development and operation. Federal agencies and courts have already concluded that the Federal Columbia River Power System causes significant harm to the Columbia River’s native fisheries. As a result, there are thirteen species or populations of Columbia or Snake River salmon and steelhead that are listed as either endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The bill knowingly undermines the ability to rebuild these salmon populations, which would allow U.S. fishermen to catch and sell more salmon, resulting in greater economic growth and higher quality salmon. The bill was opposed by the Governors of both Washington and Oregon because it will thwart ongoing efforts to improve future salmon and dam management. Additionally, numerous conservation, business, and tribal interests opposed the bill, including the Natural Resource Defense Council, Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife, Oceana and the Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association. It is supported by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). The bill passed by a vote of 225 to 189, with all but 8 Democrats opposed.