Press Releases

Landmark Agriculture Conservation Measure Signed into Law

August 17, 2006

Today, President Bush signed a measure into law that will aid in the protection of thousands of acres of the nation's shrinking agricultural lands. Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA), who serves on the Ways and Means Committee, spearheaded efforts to create the new tax provision. It will increase deductions available to farmers, ranchers and other landowners who donate their property for conservation purposes. These land donations, called conservation easements, allow farmers and ranchers to continue using the land, while protecting the property from future development.

Issues:Jobs & Economy

U.S. Congress Commemorates 30th Anniversary of 'Wine Tasting Heard â€˜Round the World'

August 11, 2006

Press Release

Last week, the U.S. Senate unanimously agreed to the House resolution introduced by Congressman Mike Thompson (D-Napa Valley) recognizing the significance of the Napa Valley victory at the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting. House Concurrent Resolution 399 recognizes both the outstanding accomplishments of those responsible for the winning wines and also the many successes of the California wine industry in the thirty years since this event. In 1976, the world of wine was astounded when two Napa Valley wines won a blind taste test held by leading French wine experts in Paris, France.

Issues:Wine & Agriculture

Thompson: Salmon Announcement Opens Door for Disaster Relief

August 10, 2006

Press Release

Statement made today by North Coast Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA) in response to U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez's announcement that the Klamath River has been named a commercial fisheries failure:

Issues:Energy & Environment

Congress Approves Provision Aimed at Conserving America's Agricultural Lands, Improving the Environment

August 5, 2006

Press Release

Last night, the U.S. Senate gave final approval to legislation that is intended to help protect thousands of acres of agricultural lands and open space throughout California and the nation. The measure is an important tax provision that will expand deductions available to landowners who donate their land for conservation purposes. As a member of the Way and Means Committee, Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) championed the provision, securing its approval in the House of Representatives last month. The bill now goes to the President for his signature into law.

Issues:Energy & Environment

Critical Step Taken Toward Passage of the Northern California Wilderness Bill

July 19, 2006

Press Release

Today, the U.S. House Resources Committee passed by voice vote the Northern California Coastal Wild Heritage Act (H.R. 233). This bill has unanimously passed the Senate twice and would designate more than 275,000 acres of northern California as wilderness and approximately 79,000 acres as a Recreation Management Area for off-highway vehicles and mountain bikes, all of which is already public land.

Issues:Energy & Environment

Thompson's bill better for salmon, fishermen

June 17, 2006

Press Release

Earlier this month, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in 10 Northern California counties affected by the federal government's decision to severely restrict ocean salmon fishing. In doing so, he made commercial fishermen in Del Norte and nine other counties eligible for state-guaranteed loans totaling $9.2 million.

Issues:Energy & Environment

Thompson Condemns Iraq Resolution

June 15, 2006

Press Release

Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) condemned the Republican Iraq resolution on the House floor today. Thompson, a Vietnam War combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient, was asked by Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi to manage a portion of the floor debate. Thompson called on Congress to bring our troops home as soon as possible.

"Mr. Speaker, this resolution will not ensure any success in Iraq. It will not bring our troops home. It will only signal the death of true, honest debate within the walls of this great chamber.

Issues:Health CareDefense

Thompson Renews Call for Medicare Rx Drug Deadline Extension

May 11, 2006

Press Release

Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Napa Valley) renewed his call today to extend the deadline for seniors to sign up for the new Medicare Part D drug benefit. Beneficiaries have until Monday, May 15 to sign up for the plan or face lifetime penalties for failing to do so. Thompson is a cosponsor of H.R. 3860 a bill that would extend the deadline and suspend the penalty for the 2006 calendar year.

Thompson, a member of the Health Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee voted against the Medicare Prscription Drug Benefit in 2003.

Issues:Health Care

Bay Area Lawmakers Unveil Disaster Assistance Legislation for Salmon Fishing Community

April 24, 2006

Press Release

Bay Area Members of Congress unveiled disaster assistance legislation today for West Coast salmon fishing communities that will be impacted by this year's slashed salmon season. Reps. Mike Thompson and Lynn Woolsey announced the bill in front of hundreds of salmon fishermen at a rally on San Francisco's Pier 47.

Issues:Energy & Environment

Thompson Demands Transparency from NOAA Fisheries on Klamath Salmon Policy

April 7, 2006

Press Release

North Coast Congressman Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) today filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with NOAA Fisheries asking for all documents pertaining to federal salmon policy dating back to 2001.

“It's time to shine a bright light into the shady backrooms where the Bush Administration has been making politically motivated decisions about the management of the Klamath,” Thompson said. “These politically motivated decisions are directly responsible for the poor condition of the Klamath and the near loss of this year's salmon season.”

Issues:Energy & Environment