Press Release
Posted:
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced his appointment to House Democrats’ Rapid Response Task Force and Litigation Working Group. Chaired by Assistant Leader Joe Neguse, members of the Task Force are working to develop comprehensive legislative, oversight and legal strategies to uphold the constitution, protect the rights of the American people, and challenge the President’s unlawful actions in court. Rep. Thompson was tapped by Democratic leadership to join the Task Force because of his strong record of service to our democracy, first in combat and now in public office. The task force is currently supporting dozens of lawsuits and bills.
“Since the day this president took office, I have committed myself to fighting his unlawful actions from every angle: in Congress, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion. That’s why I’m honored Assistant Leader Neguse asked me to join the Democrats’ Rapid Response Task Force and Litigation Working Group,” said Thompson. “I went to war to fight for our democracy. Now, I’m working daily to fight to protect our free and fair elections, preserve Americans’ rights, and uphold our values as a nation. The Rapid Response Task Force and Litigation Working Group is doing incredible work and I’m glad to be joining them to carry on their important efforts.”
“Since assuming office, President Trump has issued a series of executive orders and administrative actions that are unconstitutional and have imposed dire consequences on everyday Americans across the country. His actions warrant a decisive response, which is why House Democrats’ Litigation Task Force will continue to work relentlessly to develop comprehensive legislative, oversight, and legal strategies — to vindicate the constitution, and the rights of the American people. And I’m deeply grateful to Rep. Thompson for his leadership, commitment, and willingness to serve as a member of the Task Force,” said House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse.
“Mike is a seriously skilled legislator and a nonstop fighter for the American people. The Task Force is confident that he will bring that same fighting spirit to our efforts to counter the Trump Administration's lawlessness and stand up for the rule of law every day in court," said Rapid Response Task Force and Litigation Working Group Co-Chair, Rep. Jamie Raskin.
BACKGROUND
Rep. Mike Thompson is working full-time to combat the Administration's unlawful actions by every means available. A combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Thompson has a long history of service to our democracy and to our community. Democratic leadership selected him for this position on the Task Force due to his history of service and record fighting back effectively against the Trump administration.
Since the President took office, House Democrats have adopted an all-hands-on-deck approach to combating the litany of unlawful and unconstitutional executive orders and agency actions coming from the Trump administration. As part of this effort, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries established the Rapid Response Task Force and Litigation Working Group to ensure Democrats do everything in their power to protect and defend everyday Americans.
The Task Force is chaired by Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse, and co-chaired by Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, Oversight Committee Ranking Member Robert Garcia, and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin.
Examples of work the Task Force is undergoing include:
- LITIGATION: Task Force members have come together to file amicus briefs in lawsuits aiming to protect the Department of Education, oppose the President’s sweeping tariffs, reverse unlawful cuts to National Institutes of Health biomedical and public health research grants, and challenge the Presidents’ unlawful attempt to end birthright citizenship, and more.
- LEGISLATION: Member of the Task Force have introduced federal legislation to: prevent special government employees from receiving federal contracts and grants, reinstate veterans who have been removed or dismissed from federal employment without cause, prevent the President from declaring an emergency to enact import tariffs without Congressional approval, prohibit unlawful access to the Treasury Department payment systems, and more.