Press Releases
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, Co- Chair of the House Military Veterans Caucus, led his bipartisan Co-Chairs in sending a letter to Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning asking him to grant an exception to the requirement that current and former service members who enlisted in the National Guard between 2006 and 2008 repay unauthorized bonuses.
U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, Co-Chair of the House Military Veterans Caucus, today issued the following statement after Defense Secretary Ashton Carter announced that the Pentagon will halt efforts to recoup bonuses that had been issued to members of the California National Guard in error. Secretary Carter stated that the suspension will continue until a fair, equitable, and timely process is implemented for those impacted. The Secretary asked that this improved process be implemented by January 1, 2017, and that all pending cases are resolved by July 1, 2017.
U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson today visited the Veterans Home of California-Yountville with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald. Thompson invited Secretary McDonald to visit the veterans’ home in Yountville so that the Secretary could see the important services provided to veterans firsthand and discuss ways in which the home can work in partnership with the federal government. The Secretary also learned about Pathway Home, a non-profit based at the Yountville home that provides support to veterans transitioning to civilian life, with an emphasis on student veterans.
U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5) today announced a COPS Hiring Program (CHP) grant of $125,000 to the City of Lakeport, which will be used to retain a law enforcement officer who will serve as a liaison to Lakeport’s business community and neighborhood groups to support Lakeport’s crime reduction efforts. The grant was made available through the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS).
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Mike Thompson (CA-05) and Jared Huffman (CA-02) today announced that they are calling on all veterans of the Korean War living in Sonoma County to contact Rep. Thompson’s Santa Rosa District Office. Thompson and Huffman are working with the office of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in San Francisco to facilitate the presentation of medals to Sonoma County veterans from the Republic of Korea in recognition of their service in the Korean War.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Mike Thompson today announced two U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) grants totaling more than $1.4 million for the Family Justice Center Sonoma County (FJCSC).
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson introduced House Resolution 882 (H.Res. 882) today, to recognize National Wildlife Refuge Week between October 9th and 15th 2016.
Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5) announced today that his office is accepting applications from those ages 17-23 who are interested in attending the four service academies requiring nominations: United States Air Force Academy, United States Merchant Marine Academy, United States Military Academy at West Point, and the United States Naval Academy. The fifth service academy, the Coast Guard Academy, does not require a nomination.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, Co-Chair of the Military Veterans Caucus, announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched a pilot program to offer service dog benefits to veterans with mental health diagnoses, including post-traumatic stress (PTS). This program will pair 100 veterans who experience a mental health diagnosis that limits their mobility, including their ability to conduct normal social activities and navigate public spaces, with a highly trained assistance dog.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Mike Thompson (CA-05) and John Garamendi (CA-03) today announced that low-interest Small Business Administration (SBA) loans have been made available to business owners and homeowners impacted by the Clayton Fire. While there are no official estimates as to how many businesses and homeowners are eligible to receive these loans, we do know that the owners of the 189 homes and 8 commercial structures that were destroyed may be eligible to receive these loans should they choose to apply and meet SBA criteria.