Biography
Mike Thompson was first elected to Congress in 1998. Recognized as a strong representative for his constituents, Thompson has worked on solutions that create jobs, strengthen the middle class, protect our seniors and veterans, increase access to health care, and preserve our environment for future generations. Prior to serving in Congress, Thompson represented California's 2nd District in the California State Senate where he chaired the powerful Budget Committee.
Thompson is a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means where he is the Ranking Member of the Tax Policy Subcommittee as well as sits on the Health Subcommittee. Thompson is the co-founder and co-chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus, which consists of more than 150 U.S. Senators and House members. He is also a member and twice co-chair of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus.
Thompson was the first Vietnam veteran elected to the California State Senate. He served in combat with the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant/platoon leader with the 173rd Airborne Brigade where he was wounded and received a Purple Heart. He was an instructor at the Army's Airborne School.
Thompson has been recognized for his leadership on job creation, health care and veterans issues. He has received awards for his legislative efforts from the National Association of Community Health Centers, the California State Council of Vietnam Veterans, the Wine Institute, and received the prestigious Edgar Wayburn Award from the Sierra Club for outstanding service to the environment.
Thompson is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, which is composed of moderate Democrats committed to fiscally responsible solutions to America's problems. He is recognized in Congress and throughout his district as someone who has built a solid reputation for bipartisan problem solving.
Thompson is a small vineyard owner and was the maintenance supervisor for the Beringer Winery. He has taught Public Administration and State Government at San Francisco State University and California State University, Chico.
He is married to Janet Thompson, a family nurse practitioner. They have two sons, a firefighter and a deputy sheriff, and three wonderful granddaughters.
Health Care
Health care reform is helping save money and lives. While the Affordable Care Act was far from perfect, it was an important first step towards making sure every American can get health insurance.
As the husband of a family nurse practitioner, and a senior member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health, I know firsthand the challenges that exist in our current health care system. For more than two decades I have worked to make healthcare affordable and accessible for all Americans.
Immigration
America is a nation of immigrants, and we are a stronger nation because of it. However, our current immigration system is broken and in need of repair. We need comprehensive reform that that rewards individuals who play by the rules, allows children of immigrants to get a college education, provides a pathway to citizenship for families who have been here for generations, and establishes a guest worker program for those here doing jobs Americans don’t want to do.
I am a third generation Italian-American on my mother’s side, whose great grand-parents immigrated from Italy to America. Today, as they have been since our nation was founded, immigrants are an essential part of our society and culture. Leaders in both business and government are helping make our nation better every day. I have no doubt our nation would be weaker without the diversity of our immigrant population.
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives write and vote on federal laws, including the federal budget. Each represents one district and serves a two-year term. Tax bills must start in the House, only the House can impeach federal officials, and members oversee federal agencies through their committees.