Bill Thomas

Bill Thomas was a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives who represented the 22nd District of  California from 1979 to 2007. In February 2007, The Hill reported that Thomas will join the conservative think tank the American Enterprise Institute as a "visiting fellow." 

The Hill added, "After he announced his retirement last year, Thomas repeatedly said he would not seek a position as a lobbyist. Thomas earned a reputation as an expert on a wide array of tax, trade and healthcare issues during his 14 terms in the House and six years as chairman of the powerful Ways and Means panel." 

Background
Thomas was born in Wallace, Idaho, was educated at San Francisco State University, and was a faculty member at Bakersfield Community College and a member of the California State Assembly before entering the House.

Congressional Career
Thomas was the Chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, though term limits prevented him from retaining that position after 2006. His position in this committee made him one of the most powerful members of Congress. When The Washingtonian polled congressional aides on the "best and worst" of Congress, Thomas was voted #1 for "brainiest," "workhorse," "meanest" and overwhelmingly for "hottest temper" in the House.

2006 Elections
Thomas announced that he would retire at the end of his term. Democrats nominated Sharon Beery and Republicans nominated Kevin McCarthy to contest the November 2006 election for his vacant seat. (See U.S. congressional elections in 2006)

Committees in the 109th Congress (2005-2006)

 * House Committee on Ways and Means - Chair
 * Joint Committee on Taxation

Coalitions and Caucuses

 * Administrative Chair, National Bipartisan Commission on the Future of Medicare

Articles and Resources

 * Official website
 * Medicare Secrecy Inquiry Is Silenced by Vicki Kemper, Los Angeles Times, 4/2/04

Local blogs and discussion sites

 * Tiger Beat: Music, Culture, and Politics
 * Left Wing Nut Job

Contact
DC Office: 2208 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515-0522 Phone: 202-225-2915 Fax:	202-225-8798 Web Email Website

District Office-Atascadero: 5805 Capistrano Avenue, Suite C Atascadero, CA 93422 Phone: 805-461-1034 Fax: 805-461-1323

District Office-Bakersfield: 4100 Empire Drive, Suite 150 Bakersfield, CA 93309 Phone: 661-327-3611 Fax: 661-637-0867