News Articles
October 19, 2013
Many might argue that the last thing Lake Berryessa needs is another layer of government laid onto its open wounds.
The federal Bureau of Reclamation hasn't covered itself in glory in the last decade, with its mismanagement of the lake's struggling recreational facilities. County leadership, in many residents' eyes, has not fared much better in its handling of ongoing wastewater and fire protection issues.
Why then would Lake Berryessa benefit from the additional bureaucratic red tape that would result from legislation to designate it as part of a national conservation area?
The federal Bureau of Reclamation hasn't covered itself in glory in the last decade, with its mismanagement of the lake's struggling recreational facilities. County leadership, in many residents' eyes, has not fared much better in its handling of ongoing wastewater and fire protection issues.
Why then would Lake Berryessa benefit from the additional bureaucratic red tape that would result from legislation to designate it as part of a national conservation area?
Issues:Energy & Environment
October 18, 2013
Residents of Benicia and Vallejo had anticipated hearing U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson as well as a panel of Solano County health care specialists explain the Affordable Care Act and the changes it will bring starting in January.
However, those attending Wednesday night's meeting in Vallejo learned their representative in the House was in Washington, voting to reopen the federal government. In fact, they learned of the successful vote directly from Thompson, who sent the message to staff members who read his note during the meeting.
However, those attending Wednesday night's meeting in Vallejo learned their representative in the House was in Washington, voting to reopen the federal government. In fact, they learned of the successful vote directly from Thompson, who sent the message to staff members who read his note during the meeting.
Issues:Health Care
October 12, 2013
North Coast Congressman Mike Thompson and other House Democrats are pushing a “discharge petition” to force a vote on a “clean” spending bill. The rarely used procedural tool could bring the Senate's government funding bill up for an up-or-down vote in the House if a majority of Congress members sign on.
October 11, 2013
U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson on Friday introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure that Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion can continue to work alongside Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at VA Regional Offices during the shutdown.
This week, the VA announced that 7,800 support staff members are being furloughed at Regional Offices around the country.
This week, the VA announced that 7,800 support staff members are being furloughed at Regional Offices around the country.
Issues:Veterans
October 11, 2013
The beauty of the region that paints the eastern realms of Napa, Lake and Mendocino counties â€" stretching from wilderness northwest of Mendocino National Forest to Lake Berryessa â€" is no secret to local outdoor enthusiasts.
Issues:Energy & Environment
October 9, 2013
U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, has co-authored an immigration reform bill that is now moving through a House committee.
The bill, H.R. 15, is titled "Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act."
It is the House version of the bipartisan immigration reform bill passed by the Senate, Thompson said.
The bill, H.R. 15, is titled "Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act."
It is the House version of the bipartisan immigration reform bill passed by the Senate, Thompson said.
Issues:Immigration Reform
October 6, 2013
The federal government shutdown is costing $12 million an hour and $300 million a day, U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson said Friday in an interview with The Herald. And among those who are losing that money are small businesses and their employees, such as those in his Congressional District 5 that includes Benicia.
He said some in Benicia may feel the pinch indirectly â€" those with guests who had wanted to visit such Bay Area national parks as Alcatraz, which is shuttered for the time being, or who need a passport for an upcoming trip.
He said some in Benicia may feel the pinch indirectly â€" those with guests who had wanted to visit such Bay Area national parks as Alcatraz, which is shuttered for the time being, or who need a passport for an upcoming trip.
October 6, 2013
It was a week marked by deep political divisions and shutdowns â€" with no resolution in sight.
Much to our national shame, the Statue of Liberty, the Lincoln Memorial and all 401 of America's national parks are now closed. The last of the campers were ushered out of Yosemite National Park on Thursday. Those backpacking deep in the Grand Canyon have been rousted as well.
Much to our national shame, the Statue of Liberty, the Lincoln Memorial and all 401 of America's national parks are now closed. The last of the campers were ushered out of Yosemite National Park on Thursday. Those backpacking deep in the Grand Canyon have been rousted as well.
October 3, 2013
On Oct. 1, the U.S. government shut down for the first time in 17 years after the House and Senate were divided on a spending bill and missed the deadline to continue funding federal government by midnight Tuesday morning.
The effect of the government shutdown has been felt across the country, including Martinez. While federal courts can run for approximately two weeks on reserve funds before possibly having to succumb to closures, courthouses in Martinez are safe because they are under the California Superior Court System.
The effect of the government shutdown has been felt across the country, including Martinez. While federal courts can run for approximately two weeks on reserve funds before possibly having to succumb to closures, courthouses in Martinez are safe because they are under the California Superior Court System.
September 17, 2013
Congressman Mike Thompson and three other congressmen introduced a bipartisan bill aimed to strengthen oversight and improve accountability of the intelligence community.