110th Congress
Today, startling new evidence was revealed during a House Natural Resources Committee hearing on whether government officials manipulated science in order to divert water from the Klamath River.
The Depart of Commerce's Inspector General testified that department officials bypassed key oversight mechanisms when creating a biological opinion on how a water diversion would affect endangered fish in the Klamath. The final biological opinion, which was later found in violation of the Endangered Species Act, contributed to the deaths of 80,000 spawning salmon.
Earlier today, the House Ways and Means Committee, of which Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) is a member, approved major legislation extending health insurance coverage to millions of children and improving the Medicare program. The Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act (CHAMP Act) represents the government's most significant investment in children's healthcare since 1997.
Today, the House approved the 2007 Farm Bill, which will govern federal agriculture and food programs. Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) applauded the inclusion of programs for specialty crops, organic crops, conservation and enhancement of nutrition.
"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."
The U.S. Senate approved a provision late last night to help National Guard and Reserve physicians maintain their practices during lengthy overseas deployments. The bill that was passed, HR2429 - originally authored by U.S. Representatives Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Sam Johnson (R-TX) - is the House companion to S.1767, which was introduced by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and U.S. Senate Republican Whip Trent Lott (R-MS) earlier this month.
Today, the House passed the FY 2008 “Energy and Water” appropriations bill, including $8.5 million for the West Sacramento Flood Control Project. The funding, championed by Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA), will be used to address deficiencies in the current levee design.
Today, Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA), John Murtha (D-PA), George Miller (D-CA) and Doris Matsui (D-CA) introduced legislation to immediately begin redeploying troops out of Iraq while simultaneously working with the United Nations to implement a region-wide strategy for containing Iraq's civil war.
Today, the House passed the “Energy and Water” appropriations bill, including $7.5 million for the Napa River Flood Project. Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Napa Valley), who championed this project, was pleased it was included in the bill. However, Thompson is committed to securing more money for the project before the appropriations bill is sent to the president.
Yesterday evening, Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) voted for the largest single investment in college financial aid in more than 60 years. This legislation approved by the House will help millions of students and families pay for college - at no cost to the American taxpayer.
The College Cost Reduction Act of 2007 (HR 2669) increases college aid by $18 billion over the next five years. This bill pays for itself by reducing the excessive federal subsidies being paid to the college loan industry. The House voted in favor of this legislation 273-149.
Today, Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Jim Ramstad (R-MN) introduced legislation to improve beneficiary access to Medicare's cancer screening services.
The Medicare Early Detection of Cancer Promotion Act will waive co-pays for colonoscopy and mammography services and extend the eligibility period for the “Welcome to Medicare” visit from the current time frame of six months to one year.