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House Democrats on Thursday vowed to fight any attempt by Republicans to tuck gun provisions into government spending bills.

Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, introduced a bill Wednesday setting new safety standards for transporting crude oil by rail, citing concerns that current regulations do not adequately protect the public from a dramatic rise in oil shipments by railroad tank cars.

Four derailments in the United States and Canada in less than a month earlier this year "underscored the urgency of action to curb the risks of transporting crude oil," Thompson said in a news release.

Another bill concerning the transportation of crude oil by rail was introduced Wednesday, following at least two others in the past month. With a pending Valero Refinery crude-by-rail project in the works, concerned Benicians and activists said though they acknowledge the effort in the bill, they'd like to see more.

U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, coauthored the Crude-By-Rail Safety Act, which would "establish new, common sense federal safety standards for railcars transporting oil across the country," according to a release from Thompson's office.

Members of Progressive Women of Napa Valley set off a spark this week that they hope will inspire a fire in Napa Valley residents who support an increase to the local minimum wage.

Residents and a handful of local elected officials attended a panel discussion Thursday at Napa County Library moderated by Rep. Mike Thompson to learn about how they said a higher minimum wage could not only bring economic benefits to the valley but social gains as well.

U.S. Reps. Mike Thompson and John Garamendi announced a $939,062 Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grant for Lake Family Resource Center.

The funding will be used for the center's Early Head Start program, which provides expectant mothers and low-income families with children up to 3 years old with services and resources such as child development, prenatal education, family services and parent involvement activities.

After 13 years and $21 million, restoration of 4.5 miles of Napa River banks in the heart of Napa Valley is complete, offering improved habitat and reducing flood damage.

Federal, state and local leaders celebrated the accomplishment Thursday as they prepared to launch phase 2: 9 miles of bank restoration from Oakville to Oak Knoll costing another $21 million.

Almost 100 people turned out for the by-invitation morning event along the rivers bank at the Opus One Winery in Oakville, including Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St Helena.