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The panel backed, by voice vote, the measure (HR 1892) that would authorize classified funding for 16 U.S. intelligence agencies and intelligence-related activities of the U.S. government. The recently passed 2011 intelligence authorization bill (HR 754) was estimated to authorize just over $80 billion.
North America's top providers of on-board commercial vehicle safety systems have come out in support of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Advanced Safety Technology Tax Act of 2011, introduced recently by Rep. Geoff Davis, R-Ky., and Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif.
The bill, HR 1706, would provide an income tax credit for proven advanced safety technologies to owners of commercial trucks, buses and commercial motor vehicle fleets.
Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) on Friday introduced H.R. 2286, the Renewable Energy Parity Act of 2011, bipartisan legislation that would ensure all renewable energy sources are able to compete in the growing market for renewable and alternative energy fuels.
Under current tax law, some renewable energy technologies are only eligible for part of an existing federal tax credit for the development of alternative energy sources.
Thompson's bill would level the playing field by extending the full tax credit amount to qualifying renewable energy technologies.
As the Associated Press pushes for the release of reportedly graphic photographs of Osama bin Laden's corpse, North Coast Congressman Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, said releasing them is a bad idea.
”I think it would be very harmful,” said Thompson, who recently viewed the photographs at CIA headquarters in Langley, Va., as a member of the House Intelligence Committee. “I don't think we should be doing anything that puts the men and women serving our country at any greater risk than they're already at.”
The grant will help fund positions that "were lost due to attrition and remained vacant in response to the fiscal challenges that have impacted Woodland and all local governments," Deven said in a news release.
With the city struggling economically, Mayor Art Pimentel -- and other officials -- welcomed the grant with open arms.
Comcast is extending advanced technology services to the small unincorporated community in the hills east of St. Helena.
The U.S. Transportation Secretary visited the Port of West Sacramento Wednesday, calling it "well-managed."
"I think the investment we have made at this port is as good as anywhere in the country," secretary Ray LaHood said.
LaHood toured the port with Congressman Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, as part of a visit to key transportation projects in Thompson's 1st District.
LaHood said the current administration has "paid a lot of attention to ports," adding ports are an "economic engine" and provide jobs.
On a tour of transportation projects in Northern California, LaHood spoke at the ceremonial ground-breaking for installation of new equipment which will allow pilots to land in bad weather.
"This particular project is important for one main reason and the word is safety," LaHood told about 35 Napa County and aviation officials on hand for the event.
The airport's current landing system uses only a localizer that provides pilots with horizontal guidance when landing, airport manager Martin Pehl said
The new Glidescope Antenna System will provide pilots with vertical guidance, Pehl said.
"This will provide a precision approach and allow landings in lower visibility," Pehl said.