Thompson, Veterans Decry President's Summit with Putin

Washington – Today Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05), a Vietnam combat veteran, joined other military veteran members of Congress, including Rep. Peter DeFazio (OR-04), Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-33), Rep. Anthony Brown (MD-04), and Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) in denouncing the President's rhetoric at a summit with Putin in Helsinki.

"As a combat veteran, I know first-hand the consequences of poor diplomacy and weak foreign policy. The President abandoned our American values this week by suggesting Putin was not responsible for interference in the 2016 election and belittling the men and women of our intelligence community. As a former member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence for eight years, I know they put their lives on the line to provide information invaluable to our safety," said Thompson. "What's more, the President's ridiculous walk back of his comments do nothing to undo the damage he has caused. He should strongly denounce Putin, clearly articulate that he knows Russia deliberately meddled in our election, and vehemently support the intelligence officers who provide valuable information that keeps our country safe. Putin is not our friend and it's time for the President to defend our values and our nation."

You can click here to watch today's press conference.

Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California's 5^th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties. A Vietnam veteran, he is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee. Rep. Thompson is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and chairs the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force as well as the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus.