House removes federal protection for an endangered species

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – House lawmakers Thursday passed a bill to remove federal protections for a fish that has become a flashpoint in the debate over California’s water resources. 

The roughly three-inch long longfin smelt that swims in the San Francisco Bay-Delta has members of Congress split. 

“They’re turning a small fish into a very large scapegoat,” Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) said. 

“The latest weapon to take water away from farmers,” Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) said. 

California Republican Doug LaMalfa and Democrat Jared Huffman traded barbs Thursday over Republican efforts to remove the endangered species status for the fish.

“Only about

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