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Press Releases

April 6, 2011
Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) today sent a letter urging President Obama to provide California with federal disaster assistance following last month's devastating tsunami, which destroyed the harbor in Crescent City, significantly damaged the harbor in Fort Bragg, and caused over $48 million in estimated damages statewide. Earlier today, Governor Jerry Brown officially requested a federal disaster declaration to provide emergency assistance to the state.

April 5, 2011
Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1), a senior member of the House Committee on Ways & Means and the Blue Dog Coalition, today issued the following statement regarding the release of House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan's budget plan, which calls for more than $6 trillion in spending cuts at the expense of American families:

“Our debt crisis is a serious problem. If our country is going to remain financially solvent, we need to take concrete action to decrease spending, increase saving, and balance the budget. But it's important that we accomplish these goals in the right way.


March 31, 2011
Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) today announced that the Arcata Fire Protection District will receive $483,236 in grant funding to help recruit new volunteer firefighters in the Arcata, McKinleyville, Bayside, Manila, and Jacoby Creek communities. The funds, which are provided through the Department of Homeland Security's Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program, will preserve public safety and create good-paying jobs.

“During these tough economic times, one of the things we can't afford to cut is funding for our firefighters and first responders,” said Rep.


March 30, 2011
Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) introduced a resolution to help increase tsunami awareness and preparedness in at-risk coastal communities. Earlier this month, tsunami waves generated by an 8.9 magnitude earthquake in Japan caused significant damage in Crescent City, Fort Bragg, Santa Cruz, and other parts of Northern California. The California Emergency Management Agency has tentatively estimated damages to be in excess of $40 million.

“Over 7 million Americans live or vacation in coastal communities that are at-risk of experiencing a tsunami,” said Rep. Thompson.


March 18, 2011
Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) today announced that the South Coast Fire Protection District will receive $98,317 in grant funding to help local first responders obtain emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training.

March 18, 2011
Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) today issued the following statement strongly opposing the reintroduction of H.R. 1161, the Community Alcohol Regulatory Effectiveness (CARE) Act of 2011:

“The federal government has no business picking winners and losers in the wine, beer, and distilled spirits industry. Yet the Community Alcohol Regulatory Effectiveness Act would do just that by banning the direct shipment of wine and other forms of alcohol in the U.S.


March 11, 2011
Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) today issued the following statement regarding the ongoing tsunami threat to North Coast families:

“I have been in constant communication with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration regarding the tsunami threat in Northern California. Until the situation stabilizes, local communities should remain vigilant and heed all warnings and instructions from emergency personnel. Please take every possible precaution to ensure your safety.


March 10, 2011
Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) today announced that the South Lake County Fire Protection District in Middletown will receive $724,909 in grant funding to help hire firefighters. The funds, which are provided through the Department of Homeland Security's Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program, will preserve public safety and create good-paying jobs in the Lake County community.

“The economic downturn has created significant burdens for fire departments in Northern California and across the country,” said Rep. Thompson.


March 10, 2011
Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1), a senior member of the House Committee on Ways & Means, today joined other committee Democrats to introduce H.R. 992, the Building American Jobs Act of 2011. The Building American Jobs Act would extend eight bond, tax credit, and loan guarantee programs for states and municipalities, including the extremely successful Build America Bonds program.

March 9, 2011
Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1), Co-Chair of the Military Veterans Caucus, today sent a bipartisan letter urging House Speaker John Boehner to allow Frank Buckles, the last surviving American veteran of World War I, to lie in honor in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol. Although public viewings in the Rotunda have largely been limited to elected officials and distinguished military figures, Rep. Thompson and his colleagues, Congressmen Gus Bilirakis(R-FL) and Collin Peterson (D-MN), support making an exception for Buckles.
Issues:Veterans