Arizona's Water Fight Shifts to Congress

              CONGRESSMAN'S REPORT 
MORRIS K. UDALL. 2D DISTRICT OF ARIZONA 
 
June 21. 1963 
 
Arizona's Water Fight Shifts To Congress 
 
The date of June 3, 1963 will surely rank as one of the great moments in Arizona's history. A wave of elation swept the state as the news of long-awaited victory in the Colorado River water suit came over the news tickers. But those who jumped to the conclusion that quick 1963 passage of the Central Arizona Project bill is in prospect are doomed to disappointment. This unpleasant fact should be stated and faced right now. With an all-out effort, some luck and statesmanship there is hope for action in 1964; passage this year, in my opinion, simply isn't in the cards. 
 
In this report I'll explain why I make this statement. To understand the reasons let's take a sober, objective look at Congressional procedures and the obstacles and dangers immediately ahead. 
 
HOUSE AND SENATE DIFFER 
 
Senator Carl Hayden, who has been in Congress since statehood, has immense power and influence in the Senate. If this were the only battleground, a quick victory might occur. Senate passage in 1963 is certainly a possibility. 
 
Unfortunately for us in this case, Congress has two branches -- and all indications are that the major fight will occur in the House of Representatives. Our three-man House team is in close and frequent consultation, and each of us will have an important part to play: 
 
Without substantial Republican support the Central Arizona Project will never pass. Rep. John Rhodes of Phoenix is a respected and influential leader among House Republicans. He serves on the House Appropriations subcommittee which must provide the money to build the project. 
 
Rep. George Senner of the new 3rd District has already made many friends and is achieving recognition as a diligent, conscientious legislator. He will give effective support. 
 
I am Arizona's only member of the key Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs. As such I will have special responsibilities and opportunities at the vital committee hearing stage. 
 
COMMITTEES WIELD ENORMOUS POWER 
 
All five members of the Arizona delegation introduced C. A. P. bills on June 4, the day after the Supreme Court's decision. But nothing is easier than introducing a bill in Congress. With a flip of the wrist, 10,000 or more will be introduced this year alone. Passage is another story: nine of every 10 bills introduced and referred to committee are never seen again. 
 
One cannot overstate the importance of Congressional committees. The House of Representatives, to a large degree, is a collection of some 20 separate legislatures, each with its own special field of jurisdiction. Within that field, each committee has almost unlimited power. Though a majority of the House may favor a bill, there is no hope for full House debate or passage unless and until a majority of that committee can be persuaded to vote it out. 
 
THE CAST OF CHARACTERS 
 
The Congress is composed of 535 human beings, each with human feelings, prejudices, friendships and points of view often conditioned by the economic and political climates of the states they represent. In the months ahead Arizonans will be hearing much of the key figures in the House and Senate Interior Committees, to which the C. A. P. bills have been assigned. Of special importance are the committee chairmen. Bills opposed by a chairman rarely emerge from committee or pass on the floor. He controls the scheduling of hearings on legislation, and undecided members usually follow his lead. Republican strategy is set in committee by the senior (or "ranking") GOP member.