112th Congress
Critics of sending discarded electronics overseas say the practice releases toxic substances, such as lead and mercury, into the environment and harms the people ripping apart the devices for reusable materials, under often unsafe conditions. Rep.
Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) today applauded U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and the Department of Transportation (DOT) for introducing tough new airline passenger protections, including a rigorous ban on lengthy tarmac delays. In the event of a delay, airlines would be required to provide passengers with adequate food and water, and working restrooms. These same protections are included in the Air Passenger Bill of Rights Act (H.R. 729), a bill Rep. Thompson introduced in February.
In the event of a delay, airlines would be required to provide passengers with adequate food and water, and working restrooms.
These same protections are included in the Air Passenger Bill of Rights Act (H.R. 729), a bill Rep. Thompson introduced in February.
Earlier this month, Gov. Jerry Brown and Congressman Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) both sent letters to Obama asking him for a major disaster declaration for California because of the tsunami generated by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Japan on March 11.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is still reviewing Brown's requests for other affected communities, which include neighboring Mendocino County.
”We're absolutely ecstatic to be a disaster,” said Crescent City Harbor Master Richard Young.
“Last month's tsunami caused significant damage to infrastructure up and down California's coast.
“Earlier this week, I supported a bipartisan bill to fund the government through Fiscal Year 2011 in an effort to avert a government shutdown, which would have seriously hurt our country's ongoing economic recovery. The spending plan wasn't perfect, but it reduced spending and protected the programs that are important to families in our district, including Medicare.
“Although no one likes paying taxes, we recognize they are necessary to educate our students, pave our roads, and support our military and law enforcement. Taxes are also used to provide services to our most vulnerable citizens, including women, children, and seniors.
“Thank you, Madame Chair.
“Welcome to all of the witnesses and thank you for taking the time to inform this subcommittee about your research and experiences with the Muslim Brotherhood.