Press Releases
Today, startling new evidence was revealed during a House Natural Resources Committee hearing on whether government officials manipulated science in order to divert water from the Klamath River.
The Depart of Commerce's Inspector General testified that department officials bypassed key oversight mechanisms when creating a biological opinion on how a water diversion would affect endangered fish in the Klamath. The final biological opinion, which was later found in violation of the Endangered Species Act, contributed to the deaths of 80,000 spawning salmon.
Today, the House approved the 2007 Farm Bill, which will govern federal agriculture and food programs. Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) applauded the inclusion of programs for specialty crops, organic crops, conservation and enhancement of nutrition.
"This farm bill is a change in direction from previous farm policy," said Thompson. "It gives specialty crops and organic crops a place at the table, while at the same time preserving the importance of conventional agriculture across the country."
Earlier today, the House Ways and Means Committee, of which Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) is a member, approved major legislation extending health insurance coverage to millions of children and improving the Medicare program. The Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act (CHAMP Act) represents the government's most significant investment in children's healthcare since 1997.
Today, Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA), John Murtha (D-PA), George Miller (D-CA) and Doris Matsui (D-CA) introduced legislation to immediately begin redeploying troops out of Iraq while simultaneously working with the United Nations to implement a region-wide strategy for containing Iraq's civil war.
Today, the House passed the FY 2008 “Energy and Water” appropriations bill, including $8.5 million for the West Sacramento Flood Control Project. The funding, championed by Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA), will be used to address deficiencies in the current levee design.
Today, Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Jim Ramstad (R-MN) introduced legislation to improve beneficiary access to Medicare's cancer screening services.
The Medicare Early Detection of Cancer Promotion Act will waive co-pays for colonoscopy and mammography services and extend the eligibility period for the “Welcome to Medicare” visit from the current time frame of six months to one year.
Yesterday evening, Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) voted for the largest single investment in college financial aid in more than 60 years. This legislation approved by the House will help millions of students and families pay for college - at no cost to the American taxpayer.
The College Cost Reduction Act of 2007 (HR 2669) increases college aid by $18 billion over the next five years. This bill pays for itself by reducing the excessive federal subsidies being paid to the college loan industry. The House voted in favor of this legislation 273-149.
Yesterday, the House Transportation Committee released the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorization bill, including language from Rep. Mike Thompson's (D-CA) "Passengers Bill of Rights." This is the first time that passenger rights have been included in both the House and the Senate versions of the FAA Authorization.
Today, the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources reviewed North Coast Congressman Mike Thompson's bill to permanently prohibit oil and gas drilling off the coasts of Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. The Northern California Ocean and Coastal Protection Act (H.R. 2758), which Thompson introduced last week, provides protection to the unique and productive marine environment along Northern California's outer continental shelf.
The day after Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) called for an investigation into Vice President Cheney's role in the death of 80,000 spawning salmon, the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee announced he will be holding a hearing.
In response to a letter by Thompson and 35 of his Democratic colleagues from California and Oregon, Chairman Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) released the following statement: