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September 14, 2006
Hailing the National Wildlife Refuge System as the premier wildlife land system in the world, the four leaders of the newly formed bipartisan Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus (CWRC) - Co-chairs Reps. Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jim Saxton (R-NJ) and Vice Co-chairs Mike Castle (R-DE) and Mike Thompson (D-CA) -gathered with a diverse coalition of national conservation and recreation organizations today to celebrate the launch of the caucus and highlight the importance of protecting and preserving the Refuge System.
Issues:Energy & Environment
September 13, 2006
Today, the bipartisan Congressional E-Waste Working Group will bring together some of the nation's largest e-waste stakeholders to develop a solution to the growing problem of obsolete electronics disposal. The participants, who represent electronic manufacturers and retailers, recyclers, environmental groups and state officials, will be discussing what role the federal government can play to mitigate e-waste's harmful effects and how to distribute responsibility for disposal. The Congressional E-Waste Working Group, which includes Reps.
Issues:Energy & Environment
September 7, 2006
Today, Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) and 63 of his colleagues introduced bipartisan legislation that would significantly improve federal health policies for rural communities, like those in Northern California. The Health Care Access and Rural Equity (H-CARE) Act would, among other things, change the way doctors, hospitals, pharmacists and other providers are reimbursed for medical expenses. It is expected to greatly increase rural patients' access to healthcare.
Issues:Health Care
September 7, 2006
Garberville: Redwood TimesCongressman Mike Thompson held an early morning meeting with selected local residents at the Benbow Inn on Thursday, August 31, accompanied by his field representative Liz Murguia. The meeting was arranged and hosted by John Porter, owner of the Benbow Inn, and the Garberville/Redway Chamber of Commerce to allow the Congressman to touch base with his constituents during the August Congressional recess.
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
August 11, 2006
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
August 10, 2006
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
August 5, 2006
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
July 26, 2006
Santa Rosa: Press DemocratFive years of hard work and persistence finally paid off for Rep. Mike Thompson this week. The House on Monday approved a compromise plan to designate 273,000 acres of California lands as wilderness area, much of it on the North Coast. The centerpiece of this deal is preservation of 42,585 acres of the majestic King Range National Conservation Area south of Eureka. Much of the remaining lands are in the Mendocino and Six Rivers national forests and includes 27,000 acres in the Cache Creek area in Lake County. Sen.
Issues:Energy & Environment
July 25, 2006
San Francisco ChronicleThe House approved the largest new wilderness area for California in more than a decade, offering permanent protection for more than 273,000 acres of coastal mountains, scenic rivers and forests stretching from Napa to the Oregon border. The newly designated wilderness covers five Northern California counties and would include parts of the King Range -- which has the longest stretch of undeveloped coast in the lower 48 states -- and Cedar Roughs, the world's largest grove of rare Sargent cypress trees.
Issues:Energy & Environment