Press Releases
Thompson's Provision in Defense Bill Increases Accountability of Contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan
May 17, 2007
Today, through the efforts of Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA), a key provision to reduce waste and abuse of reconstruction funding for Iraq and Afghanistan was included in the 2008 Defense Authorization bill and passed through the House by a vote of 329 to 27. The provision was based on a bill introduced by Thompson in the last three Congresses called the War Funding Accountability Act.
"Accountability is no longer optional for the federal government," said Thompson. "Americans deserve to know where their tax dollars are going, and Iraq and Afghanistan are no exception.”
"Accountability is no longer optional for the federal government," said Thompson. "Americans deserve to know where their tax dollars are going, and Iraq and Afghanistan are no exception.”
Issues:Fiscal Responsibility
May 17, 2007
Today, an amendment introduced by Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) to prohibit gang-activity in the military passed the House as a part of the 2008 Defense Authorization bill. This amendment revises military command policy to prohibit service members from associating with criminal street gangs, whether on duty or at home. Thompson introduced this amendment because a growing number of gang members in the military are returning to the streets armed with combat training, putting local law enforcement at a dangerous disadvantage.
Issues:Defense
May 14, 2007
Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) today announced the introduction of the Energy Conservation through ‘Smart Meters' Act. The legislation would create a special tax incentive for the installation of energy management devices - known as smart meters. A smart meter is an automated electronic electricity metering device that will replace existing home and business electricity meters. These meters allow remote readings on an hourly basis, rather than once per month, giving consumers near real-time access to their energy usage information.
Issues:Energy & Environment
May 11, 2007
Last night, by a strong bipartisan vote of 302 to 120, the House passed an emergency spending bill that would provide much-needed funding for the Pacific salmon fisheries disaster, rural schools, agricultural disaster relief and wildfire emergencies.
“This bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support because it provides emergency relief to hundreds of communities across the country,” said North Coast Congressman Mike Thompson.
“This bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support because it provides emergency relief to hundreds of communities across the country,” said North Coast Congressman Mike Thompson.
Issues:Energy & Environment
May 2, 2007
Today, Rep. Mike Thompson joined Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Leadership outside the Capitol to raise awareness of the treatment barriers facing mental health patients. According to the Government Accountability Office, 90 percent of health insurance plans impose financial limitations and treatment restrictions on mental health and addiction benefits. In response, Thompson has co-authored the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addition Equity Act (H.R. 1424).
Issues:Health Care
May 2, 2007
Last week on “National Teach Children to Save Day,” North Coast Congressman Mike Thompson honored Humboldt County educator, Sarie Toste, by commemorating her achievements in the Congressional Record. Thompson recognized Toste for spearheading a program in elementary schools throughout Northern California that helps children learn the fundamentals of financial literacy.
Issues:Fiscal Responsibility
April 20, 2007
Last night, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed legislation to help restore wetlands, protect communities from catastrophic floods and enhance natural resources across the country. The Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WRDA) authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to construct flood protection projects and improve our nation's rivers and harbors. The bill passed the House of Representatives tonight by a vote of 394-25.
Issues:Energy & Environment
April 18, 2007
Today, Rep. Mike Thompson will lead his first hearing as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis, and Counterintelligence of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. The hearing will focus on what our country's 16 intelligence agencies are doing to improve the quality of their intelligence analysis, the sharing of information across agencies, and training and career development for analysts.
Issues:Defense
March 28, 2007
Today, an amendment authored by Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) to protect real estate sellers from identity theft was adopted by the Ways and Means Committee. Thompson's provision changes the tax code to better protect people's Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN) or Social Security Numbers (SSN) during real estate transactions. The National Association of Realtors has endorsed this critical change to the tax code.
March 19, 2007
Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI) introduced a bill to help landowners conserve our country's precious agricultural land and open spaces. The bill would permanently extend an important tax incentive for farmers and ranchers who donate their land's development rights to local land trusts, creating a conservation easement. The currently available tax deduction for conservation easements, which expires at the end of the year, has been extremely successful at encouraging landowners to preserve their land's agricultural purpose rather than sell it to developers.
Issues:Energy & Environment