The House of Representatives Thursday passed a bill to provide relief for drought-stricken areas of California, though the bill is not likely to become law.

The Republican proposal provides direction as to how the federal government should respond to the drought, according to an article in the Los Angeles Times.

Those favoring the bill say the measure would provide access to additional water supplies and water storage solutions.  Opponents say the bill would be harmful to the local environment and take the decision making process out of the hands of the  local authorities.

The bill, which also contained measures to protect certain types of endangered fish, won support from the California Farm Bureau, but was opposed by the White House and some environmental groups.

Although the bill passed the House with a 245 to 176 vote, primarily along party lines, it is likely to die in the Senate where additional Democratic votes would be needed to pass.  President Obama has indicated that he would veto the bill should it make it through both chambers.

One provision that seemed to have support from both sides of the aisle was a measure to urge the federal government to conclude reviews of water storage facilities, and was viewed as a starting point for a compromise bill.

Many hope that Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) will be able to offer a compromise bill in the weeks ahead that would appeal to both parties.  She indicated the current bill had some useful provisions, but she objected to provisions that would violate environmental law.  The Senator also said she remained hopeful an agreement would be reached.