Press Releases
Today, the House of Representatives passed the most significant energy reform legislation in over a decade. The New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act (HR 3221 & HR 2776) will make an historic investment in new energy technologies and renewable energy, improve energy efficiency for a wide array of products, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions significantly.
The system will help law enforcement, fire protection and emergency medical services communicate with one another during emergencies. It will also increase access to broadband Internet and phone communications, which is much-needed in many of our rural communities.
“Agriculture is a vital part of our local economy, which is why I've made supporting agriculture one of my top priorities in Congress,” said Thompson. “The success of our farmers and ranchers depends on protecting their crops from harmful pests and disease, and this funding will better equip them to do just that.”
The $39.4 million includes funding for the following projects:
Today, the House of Representatives passed the Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007 (The CHAMP Act, HR 3162). This historic legislation reauthorizes the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which provides health insurance coverage for millions of children in working families with incomes slightly too high to qualify for Medicaid. It also includes important Medicare provisions, which benefit providers and beneficiaries alike.
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.