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May 26, 2011
Floor Statements
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of community member Lee Hart, for his outstanding work in Napa County, California. Mr. Hart was born in San Francisco in 1940 and moved to Yountville at the age of 3. He is the great-grandson of a Yountville pioneer, Mr. Mathias Van de Leur, who was a Napa County Supervisor and a mason who built the St. Helena Catholic Church, several stone bridges and the Manor House at Stagg's Leap Winery.
Issues:Energy & EnvironmentVeterans

May 26, 2011

Congressmen Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Jim Gerlach (R-PA) today introduced the Conservation Easement Incentive Act, landmark legislation that would provide family farmers, ranchers, and other moderate-income landowners with a permanent incentive to donate development rights to their land. By providing tax benefits to landowners who choose conservation, the bill would help preserve our nation's cherished farm lands and open spaces for future generations. The bill has received broad bipartisan support in the House of Representatives, with 251 original co-sponsors.


May 25, 2011

Congressmen Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Dave Reichert (R-WA) today introduced the bipartisan Community Forestry Conservation Act (H.R. 1982), which would enable non-profit conservation organizations to use bonds to purchase private, working forests for long-term environmental and economic sustainability management. A broad coalition of conservationists, private landowners, and the timber industry endorsed the legislation for its pragmatic approach to balancing conservation and business interests.


May 25, 2011
News Articles

Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) on Friday introduced H.R. 2286, the Renewable Energy Parity Act of 2011, bipartisan legislation that would ensure all renewable energy sources are able to compete in the growing market for renewable and alternative energy fuels.

Under current tax law, some renewable energy technologies are only eligible for part of an existing federal tax credit for the development of alternative energy sources.

Thompson's bill would level the playing field by extending the full tax credit amount to qualifying renewable energy technologies.

Issues:Energy & EnvironmentJobs & Economy

May 22, 2011
News Articles
Thanks to a $1.2 million grant, the Woodland Fire Department is expected to add six new full-time firefighter positions to its staff in the next 90 days, City Manager Mark Deven told The Democrat Saturday.

The grant will help fund positions that "were lost due to attrition and remained vacant in response to the fiscal challenges that have impacted Woodland and all local governments," Deven said in a news release.

With the city struggling economically, Mayor Art Pimentel -- and other officials -- welcomed the grant with open arms.

Issues:Jobs & Economy

May 22, 2011
News Articles

As the Associated Press pushes for the release of reportedly graphic photographs of Osama bin Laden's corpse, North Coast Congressman Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, said releasing them is a bad idea.

”I think it would be very harmful,” said Thompson, who recently viewed the photographs at CIA headquarters in Langley, Va., as a member of the House Intelligence Committee. “I don't think we should be doing anything that puts the men and women serving our country at any greater risk than they're already at.”

Issues:Defense

May 19, 2011
News Articles
After years of delays, the Napa County Airport was launched into a new era Wednesday with the help of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.

On a tour of transportation projects in Northern California, LaHood spoke at the ceremonial ground-breaking for installation of new equipment which will allow pilots to land in bad weather.

"This particular project is important for one main reason and the word is safety," LaHood told about 35 Napa County and aviation officials on hand for the event.

Issues:Jobs & Economy

May 19, 2011
News Articles

The U.S. Transportation Secretary visited the Port of West Sacramento Wednesday, calling it "well-managed."

"I think the investment we have made at this port is as good as anywhere in the country," secretary Ray LaHood said.

LaHood toured the port with Congressman Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, as part of a visit to key transportation projects in Thompson's 1st District.

LaHood said the current administration has "paid a lot of attention to ports," adding ports are an "economic engine" and provide jobs.

Issues:Jobs & Economy

May 19, 2011
News Articles
Angwin residents will celebrate the arrival of broadband technology to its community by hosting a public ceremony, featuring local elected officials and dignitaries on Sunday.

Comcast is extending advanced technology services to the small unincorporated community in the hills east of St. Helena.

Issues:Jobs & EconomyEducation