Mike Thompson United States Congressman - First District of California
Home  |  Biography  |  Constituent Services  |  Newsroom  |  Issues & Legislation  |  First District  |  Visiting D.C.  |  Contact

In This Section:
  Press Releases
Email Newsletter:

Enter your to receive our email newsletters.
Email the Congressman:

Mike wants to hear from you.

» learn more
 

Newsroom :: Press Releases


Thompson Named Chair of Intelligence Subcommittee

February 17, 2009

WASHINGTON—Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) was re-appointed Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence’s Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence for the 111th Congress.  Intelligence Committee Chairman Silvestre Reyes (D-TX) announced the subcommittee assignments.  Thompson will also serve on the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.

“I am honored that my colleagues trust me to help ensure our nation has the best intelligence programs in the world and that we are using our capabilities effectively and responsibly,” said Thompson.  “The men and women who serve our country by gathering intelligence are one of our nation’s best assets, and I look forward to assisting their efforts.”

"Mike Thompson led active oversight efforts as a subcommittee chairman in the 110th Congress, and I am pleased that he will repeat this role again,” said Chairman Reyes.  “As the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence, his efforts are critical to ensuring that the men and women of the Intelligence Community receive the resources and authorities that they need to keep the country safe.”

This is Congressman Thompson’s second term as Chair of the subcommittee.  As chairman, Thompson will direct hearings, investigations and legislative initiatives under the subcommittee’s jurisdiction.  The subcommittee authorizes the budgets and activities of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), the national security elements of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the intelligence elements of the Departments of State, Energy, Treasury, and Homeland Security.

“Securing peace and stability around the world cannot be done without effective intelligence gathering,” said Congressman Thompson.  “My belief in the power of good intelligence to create a world without terrorism has only been strengthened by my experience on this Committee.  We must continue to work for a world where intelligence is our best weapon, and war is our last resort.”

Thompson, a Vietnam combat veteran, served on the House Committee on Armed Services from 1998 until 2002.  He was appointed to the Committee on Ways and Means in the 109th Congress, where he currently serves on the Health and Select Revenue Measures subcommittees. 

###