Foreign Affairs & National Security
Keeping Americans safe is Congressman Costa’s greatest responsibility as the Representative for California’s 21st Congressional District. Costa has been engaged in foreign affairs and transatlantic issues since he first came to Congress in 2005.
He is a staunch defender of democratic principles at home and around the world. As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Costa has helped shape U.S. foreign policy ranging from trade, human rights, and foreign aid, with a focus on strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations with U.S. allies. Throughout his time in Congress, he has traveled to various parts of the world including Ukraine, Europe, Armenia, India, the Middle East, and war zones to help improve U.S. relations.
Costa is a stalwart advocate for working with international allies and partners to uphold the post-World War II rules-based international order. A long-time member of the Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue (TLD), Costa is currently the Ranking Member of the U.S. Delegation on this important partnership. TLD brings together Members of the U.S. Congress and European Parliament to address global issues ranging from trade and economics to energy and national security.
With rising challenges from terrorism, nuclear developments, and human rights violations, Costa believes that the United States must assert its global leadership to keep us safe at home and abroad.
More on Foreign Affairs & National Security
WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) announced that California Attorney General Rob Bonta will attend the 2023 State of the Union as the Congressman’s guest.
“As the people of California’s attorney, Rob Bonta is leading the charge to protect the safety and wellbeing of Californians,” said Costa. “He is fighting injustice, holding bad actors accountable, and tackling emerging threats to our public health.”
WASHINGTON - Congressman Jim Costa and the Blue Dog Coalition wrote to Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy urging him to abandon an agreement that could lead to $75 billion in defense spending cuts. The cuts are the likely result of budget concessions McCarthy made in his quest to win over hardline members of the Republican House Conference.
WASHINGTON - Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 22 - Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act, legislation that would prohibit the administration from selling any products from the SPR to China or any entity that intends to export the products to China.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16), Co-Chair of the Congressional Portuguese American Caucus, released the following statement after President Joseph R. Biden signed into law, the Advancing Mutual Interests and Growing our Success (AMIGOS) Act. Costa is an original co-sponsor and was instrumental in passing this legislation.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, applauds President Joseph R. Biden for signing H.R. 7776 - National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023. This bipartisan legislation will strengthen America’s national security, honor the heroism of American servicemembers and make critical investments in cutting-edge technology.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) voted to fund $24 million in Community Project Funding for 15 local projects in the San Joaquin Valley, through the Fiscal Year 2023 government funding bill. This funding responds directly to some of the most pressing needs in Fresno, Madera, and Merced Counties. The bill now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) hosted the 85th EU-U.S.
WASHINGTON - Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee joined Chairman Gregory W. Meeks, and 15 members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee in releasing the following statement recognizing two months since protests in Iran began:
WASHINGTON - Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) co-signed a letter with nearly 20 House members urging the Biden administration to support calling a special session of the United Nations Rights Council to investigate Iran’s human rights abuses, including its crackdown on nationwide protests and broader violations of women’s rights.
FRESNO, Calif. – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) continued to advocate for new, advanced aircraft for Fresno’s 144th Fighter Wing.