110th Congress
Both North Coast congressional members, Reps. Lynn Woolsey, D-Petaluma, and Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, issued criticisms of Gen. David Petraeus' testimony on Monday.
“General Petraeus' report was just a thinly guised veil of President Bush's routine excuses for continuing war. While his intentions may be good, the General only confirms my belief that redeployment should begin immediately.
Congressman Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, called today's resignation of U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales "long overdue."
Today, the House of Representatives passed the most significant energy reform legislation in over a decade. The New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act (HR 3221 & HR 2776) will make an historic investment in new energy technologies and renewable energy, improve energy efficiency for a wide array of products, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions significantly.
“Agriculture is a vital part of our local economy, which is why I've made supporting agriculture one of my top priorities in Congress,” said Thompson. “The success of our farmers and ranchers depends on protecting their crops from harmful pests and disease, and this funding will better equip them to do just that.”
The $39.4 million includes funding for the following projects:
The system will help law enforcement, fire protection and emergency medical services communicate with one another during emergencies. It will also increase access to broadband Internet and phone communications, which is much-needed in many of our rural communities.
Sonoma Valley Sun
Members of the House Agricultural Committee last week approved a new five-year farm bill that would provide new benefits for California agriculture. House Democratic leaders, including Mike Thompson, Lynn Woolsey and Nancy Pelosi, fought off efforts by urban lawmakers and other interested parties opposed to continued crop subsidies. They argued that the bill should include increased funding for conservation, food stamps and creating community food security for healthier diets.
Today, the House of Representatives passed the Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007 (The CHAMP Act, HR 3162). This historic legislation reauthorizes the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which provides health insurance coverage for millions of children in working families with incomes slightly too high to qualify for Medicaid. It also includes important Medicare provisions, which benefit providers and beneficiaries alike.
The Times Standard
The 2007 Farm Bill, passed in the U.S. House of Representatives this week and governing the nation's agriculture and food programs, includes programs for specialty and organic crops, conservation and nutrition.
Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, applauded their inclusion.
”This farm bill is a change in direction from previous farm policy,” said Thompson. “It gives specialty crops and organic crops a place at the table, while at the same time preserving the importance of conventional agriculture across the country.”