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April 1, 2011
News Articles
Congressman Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, announced Thursday that the Arcata Fire Protection District will receive $483,236 in grant funding to help recruit new volunteer firefighters in the Arcata, McKinleyville, Bayside, Manila and Jacoby Creek communities.

The funds, which are provided through the Department of Homeland Security's Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program, will preserve public safety and create good-paying jobs.

Issues:Jobs & Economy

April 1, 2011
News Articles
The Republican attack on AARP could trigger a more widespread examination of the tax-exempt status of nonprofit groups, including those who have backed conservatives, Democrats warned Friday.

“I think it is a very slippery slope we are going down today,” Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) said during a contentious House hearing.

Republicans on two House Ways and Means subcommittees called the hearing to grill AARP executives about the group's financial practices and whether it deserves to keep its tax-exempt status.

Issues:Health Care

March 31, 2011
Floor Statements
Mr. Chairman, if H.R. 658 passes, this 4-year FAA reauthorization bill would devastate rural communities across our great country. This legislation completely phases out the Essential Air Service program, rolls back critical funding needed for airport improvement programs, fails to adequately protect the rights of air passengers, and would cost us close to 70,000 American jobs.

The EAS, the Essential Air Service program, is necessary to provide air service into our country's most rural communities.


March 31, 2011
Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) today announced that the Arcata Fire Protection District will receive $483,236 in grant funding to help recruit new volunteer firefighters in the Arcata, McKinleyville, Bayside, Manila, and Jacoby Creek communities. The funds, which are provided through the Department of Homeland Security's Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program, will preserve public safety and create good-paying jobs.

“During these tough economic times, one of the things we can't afford to cut is funding for our firefighters and first responders,” said Rep.


March 30, 2011
Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) introduced a resolution to help increase tsunami awareness and preparedness in at-risk coastal communities. Earlier this month, tsunami waves generated by an 8.9 magnitude earthquake in Japan caused significant damage in Crescent City, Fort Bragg, Santa Cruz, and other parts of Northern California. The California Emergency Management Agency has tentatively estimated damages to be in excess of $40 million.

“Over 7 million Americans live or vacation in coastal communities that are at-risk of experiencing a tsunami,” said Rep. Thompson.


March 29, 2011
News Articles
Mary Kongsgaard, the eldest of Judge Thomas Kongsgaard's three children, speaks at the post office renaming ceremony on Monday. The Franklin Street Post Office was renamed the Thomas Kongsgaard Post Office in honor of the former Superior Court judge who served for 26 years. J.L. Sousa/Register

Opened in 1933 and registered as a National Historic Place, the downtown Napa post office added a new chapter to its history Monday.

The Art Deco building at 1352 Second St. was renamed the Tom Kongsgaard Post Office Building in honor of the deceased Napa County Superior Court judge.


March 29, 2011
Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 45th anniversary of the Humboldt Arts Council in Humboldt County, California.


March 24, 2011
News Articles
The downtown Napa post office will be renamed Monday in a ceremony to include Congressman Mike Thompson, Napa Mayor Jill Techel and Supervisor Bill Dodd.

The building at 1351 Second St. will thereafter be called “Tom Kongsgaard Post Office Building.” The ceremony will take place 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Monday.

In November, Thompson passed a bill to rename the Franklin Post Office in honor of Tom Kongsgaard, a Napa County Superior Court Judge from 1958 to 1984.


March 20, 2011
News Articles
A handful of ideas to close the estimated $14 trillion national deficit emerged from the Eureka City Council Chambers on Saturday, when North Coast Congressman Mike Thompson held a public forum for Humboldt County residents to share their budget suggestions.

Dozens of people turned out for the presentation, pushing for an end to U.S. military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as substantial tax reform that would decrease the number of tax breaks for individuals whose income exceeds $250,000 annually.

Issues:Fiscal Responsibility

March 18, 2011
News Articles
With the national debt approaching $14 trillion, according to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, North Coast Congressman Mike Thompson wants to hear your ideas for reining in federal spending and getting the nation back on stable financial footing.

”The main thing for me is just to hear what constituents think we need to do about the national debt,” said Thompson, who will be holding a community forum on the subject Saturday, in a phone interview with the Times-Standard. “We're entering a period of (budget) cutting, and I think it's important for folks to have their voices heard.”

Issues:Fiscal Responsibility