By GOSIA WOZNIACKA

Associated Press

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) -- The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a controversial water bill that would block the restoration of the San Joaquin River and give California farmers and urban residents more water.

But the measure approved Wednesday is expected to die in the Democrat-controlled Senate. And President Obama has vowed to veto it.

Sponsored by Visalia Republican Devin Nunes, the legislation would repeal plans to restore the San Joaquin River and remove the $300 million already authorized for the project.

It would also preempt state water law and reduce the amount of water available for fish and wildlife by directing a greater supply from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to farmers.

Supporters say the proposal would guarantee adequate water deliveries. Opponents say it's a water grab that would harm salmon and disrupt California's complex network of water-sharing agreements.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.