In response to a historic Western drought that is harming households, industry and the environment alike, public and private institutions—with one unfortunate exception—are stepping up.
 
California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) and our state’s legislature passed long-overdue investments through a $7.5 billion water bond. Local governments and water districts are launching conservation plans and providing incentives for business and homes to preserve dwindling water supplies. The Obama administration is providing millions in emergency grants to drought-stricken communities and farmers.
 
But Congress still hasn’t acted. That’s why I developed the kind of serious, comprehensive legislation this ...