Congressman Fong Secures Vital Water and Energy Resources for CA-20 in Initial Funding Legislation

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) voted to pass H.R. 4553 – the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, 2026. This vital piece of legislation secures critical wins for California’s Central Valley as it safeguards U.S. national security, unleashes American energy dominance, and advances economic competitiveness nationwide. 

“The Central Valley is the energy capital of California and one of the most productive agricultural regions in the nation,” said Congressman Fong. “Our community knows that water is life, and a strong energy sector is essential to our success and stability. This critical bill lays the foundation for greater water security and invests in much-needed energy infrastructure to strengthen and modernize our power grid. I championed efforts to ensure this legislation directs more resources to California’s 20th District – a place that feeds and fuels America – because what we do ensures the prosperity of our state and nation.”

Below is an overview of key provisions within the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Energy and Water Appropriations Act that will directly benefit California’s 20th District:

$14.6 Million – Success Reservoir Enlargement Project 

• This funding would allow the Army Corps of Engineers to complete final work on the Schafer Dam and surrounding areas by reimbursing their non-federal LERRDS partner.
• Additionally, the Lake Success Enlargement Project is nearing completion and will more than double flood protection for downstream communities.
• After three consecutive wet years, it is critical that Lake Success has the capacity to capture and store as much water as possible, enhancing both public safety and water supply certainty for Central Valley communities.
• This investment would also ensure the Army Corps can fulfill its commitment to local partners who played an important role in completing this important project.

$154 – Bureau of Reclamation

• $20 Million
  • This funding would advance construction of critical canal infrastructure, restoring water conveyance capacity essential for communities and millions of acres of farmland.
  • Subsidence has severely compromised the integrity of these canals, forcing water managers to reduce capacity, which limits the efficient use of already scarce water resources.
  • Restoring these canals is essential to maximize water delivery, support agriculture, and ensure reliable water supplies across the Central Valley and the broader western region.
• $134 Million
  • Of the total additional funding provided for water storage, $201 million will go to projects authorized under Section 4007 of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, with $134 million directly benefiting critical projects in our region, including the Shasta Reservoir.
  • These investments would strengthen water storage capacity, helping capture more water during wet seasons to prepare for extended droughts.
  • With unpredictable weather patterns bringing longer dry periods and more intense floods, this funding would boost resiliency, secure water supplies, and support the economic health of the Central Valley’s agriculture industry.
  • Congressman Fong successfully advocated for more funding than originally requested, demonstrating the importance of these projects in California and the West.

WIIN Act Reauthorization

• The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act would be reauthorized through 2027, another major win for our district.
• The WIIN Act is critical for western water infrastructure projects, supporting groundwater storage, desalination, and would expand overall water storage capacity.
• These provisions would ensure America’s agricultural regions are better prepared to handle both extended droughts and catastrophic floods, protecting our food supply and local communities.
• Renewing this law would stimulate additional investments in water infrastructure, driving long-term success for California’s Central Valley and beyond.

Additional Highlights of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Energy and Water Appropriations Act can be found below: 

• Champions America’s nuclear deterrent and strengthens national security by:
  • Allocating nearly $20.7 billion for the continued modernization of the nuclear weapons stockpile and infrastructure and over $2 billion to support the U.S. Navy’s nuclear fleet.
  • Prohibiting the sale of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the Chinese Communist Party.
  • Preventing the purchase of technology and telecommunications equipment from China and other adversaries.
• Restores American energy dominance, drives down energy costs, and facilitates economic growth by:
  • Supporting one of the largest investments focused on mining production technologies for critical minerals extraction in decades, reducing reliance on foreign sources.
  • Robustly funding small modular reactor and advanced reactor demonstration projects, as well as increasing funding for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, to achieve the Trump Administration’s goal to expand nuclear energy capacity to 400 gigawatts by 2050.
  • Facilitating the efficient transport of goods and commodities through improvements and maintenance of America’s ports and waterways.