Sacramento Congresswoman Doris Matsui told her colleagues that the Water Resources Development Act is one of the most urgent bills Congress will consider this year.  

"A major flood along the American River or the Sacramento River would cripple this economy and according to reports, cost upwards of $35 Billion in direct property damages and result in a significant loss of life." 

In total, the bill directs the US Army Corps of Engineers to conduct nearly $14 billion worth of work to study, build and reinforce various water projects around the country.

The Bush Administration is against the measure – saying it would cost too much money.