"We want to block the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's misguided decision to list the San Francisco Bay Delta population of the longfin smelt as being endangered," LaMalfa said before the vote.
According to neighbors, the animals have caused controversy between residents who consider them a threat to pets and children and those who believe the animals should be left alone as they're protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act.
"Some people prize wine, fancy cars, artwork, but right now, with the rise of [the] middle class in China, it is turtles. It is North American turtles that are a status symbol."
