Past News

BAKERSFIELD, CA - On Saturday, November 3rd, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) will be attending a Homebuyer and Foreclosure Prevention Fair which he is sponsoring.  Some of the agencies providing information about home purchasing and preventing foreclosure include Housing and Urban Development, ACORN Housing, Consumer Credit Counseling Services, as well as local banks and licensed Realtors. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Thursday October 11th, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) will be available to the press to discuss recent Congressional action House Resolution 106, the Armenian Genocide resolution, which passed through the House Foreign Affairs Committee today by a vote of 27 to 21.  Costa will also discuss the Farm Bill.

Below is the statement given by Costa in today's hearing.

WHO:             Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno

WHAT:           Media Availability

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Thursday October 11th, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) will be available to the press to discuss recent Congressional action House Resolution 106, the Armenian Genocide resolution, which passed through the House Foreign Affairs Committee today by a vote of 27 to 21.

Below is the statement given by Costa in today's hearing.

WHO:             Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno

WHAT:           Media Availability

FRESNO, CA - Monday, October 8th, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) will hold a press conference to discuss President Bush's veto of the children's health care program.

WHO:             Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno

WHAT:           Press Conference

WHEN:           Monday, October 8th, 2:00pm

WHERE:        Community Hospital-Eastern Plaza, adjacent to the Trauma Building

                        2823 Fresno Street

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) and Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Arizona) introduced a resolution honoring the 65th anniversary of the first Bracero workers in the United States.  The Bracero program was implemented in 1942 to fill the labor shortage in the United States caused by World War II.  Twenty-eight states participated in the program, which lasted from 1942 to 1964.

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced that a grant of $133,375 has been awarded to the City of Lemoore to enhance school safety. These funds are being awarded through the Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) to the Secure Our Schools (SOS) program to improve security in and around schools. The SOS program grants will be dispersed among 152 local law enforcement agencies to enhance school safety in 36 states.

FRESNO, CA - Monday, September 3rd, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) will be attending a Labor Day breakfast at the Fresno Fairgrounds and will be available to the press to comment on the Delta water hearing and to discuss issues Congress will take up in September, including the new White House immigration rule and AgJobs.

FRESNO, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff expressing concerns over the implementation of new regulations addressing Social Security "no match" letters. Costa sent the letter along with Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Congressman Dennis Cardoza (D-Atwater), and Congressman George Radanovich (R-Mariposa).

FRESNO, CA -   Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno, will be traveling throughout the district on Wednesday and Friday this week.  He will be available to the media following each of these events.  Please call for more information or interviews.

Wednesday August 22, 2007

At 4pm, Costa will be in Hanford touring the First Family Healthcare Network Clinic.  The healthcare center is located at 328 West 8th Street in Hanford.

FRESNO, CA -   Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno, will be traveling throughout the district tomorrow during the month long district work period.  He will be available to the media following each of these events.  Please call for more information or interviews.

Thursday August 9th, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced today that $2 million in federal funding was secured for Lemoore Naval Air Station's Local Situational Awareness Systems in the Fiscal Year 2008 Defense Appropriations bill.  The bill will was passed on the House floor early Sunday morning by a vote of 395 to 13.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced today that $400,000 in federal funding was secured for State Route 198 Expressway in Kings County in the Fiscal Year 2008 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill.  The bill will was passed on the House floor Tuesday night by a vote of 268 to 153.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced today that $1,500,000 in federal funding was secured for Semitropic Water Storage District in the Fiscal Year 2008 Energy and Water Appropriations bill, which the House of Representatives approved yesterday by a vote of 312 to 112.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Congressman Jim Costa (D- Fresno) supported H.R. 2669, the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007. HR 2669 increases Pell Grants and cuts student interest rates which will make college more affordable for low and middle income students and families.  The bill also increases scholarships and reduces loan costs at no new expense to U.S. taxpayers.

FRESNO, CA - Today, Friday June 29th, Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno, will be available to the press to discuss recent Congressional action on the recently passed appropriations bills, immigration, and the upcoming Farm Bill.

WHO:             Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno

WHAT:           Media Availability

WHEN:           Friday June 29, 2007, 3:15pm

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced comprehensive new energy principles laid out by the Blue Dog Coalition this week.  Among these principles is increasing U.S. energy security, increasing domestic supply, diversifying our energy portfolio with renewable energy sources, and encouraging research and development in new energy technologies to address climate change and conservation.  These principles will be used by the Coalition to guide Congress as a new national energy policy is written.

Congressman Jim Costa will spend the day in Kern County on Friday, October 14, 2005.  Representative Costa will be at the Veteran's Services Department to present well-deserved and long awaited for Congressional Medals to Mr. Ronnie Watson of Bakersfield, California.  Following the ceremony Representative Costa will be available to comment about the variety of happenings in Congress as they relate to the 20th Congressional District; such as the Avian Flu Epidemic. 

When:  Friday, October 14, 2005

FRESNO, CA (October 21, 2005) -  Today, the City of Fresno and Amtrak agreed to lease terms that will allow the long-awaited opening of the restored historic Santa Fe Depot to open to the public.

Congressman Costa helped locate an alternative source of funding through the California Transportation Commission to mitigate the $607,000 funding shortfall that held up the original opening.

FRESNO, CA - In the effort to provide people with a passport to homeownership Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) will host his "First Time Homebuyer Fair" on Saturday, October 29, 2005.  The event will run from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Sunnyside High School Cafeteria located at 1019 S. Peach Avenue in Fresno.

"Owning a home is, unfortunately, a dream for too many families who wish to provide a stable and comfortable environment within which they can thrive, and for too many families this dream does not become a reality," Costa stated.

FRESNO, CA - Calling it "a common sense" guideline for cutting and spending in the federal budget, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) today (November 9, 2005) announced his support for a House bill that he said, "makes a strong statement against wasteful and inefficient federal spending."

FRESNO, CA - Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) is seeking local students interested in attending our Nation's prestigious military academies.  Applications are available from Representative Costa's District offices in Fresno and Bakersfield to interested students who live in the 20th Congressional District, which is comprised of parts of Fresno County, Kern County and all of Kings County.  The deadline for submission is Monday, December 19, 2005.

WASHINGTON D.C. - In the wake of mounting national debt, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) joined the Blue Dog Coalition today in asking President Bush to call an emergency bipartisan budget summit regarding the nation's added fiscal burden in the wake of Gulf Region reconstruction efforts. 

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Jim Costa announced that California's 20th Congressional District will receive over $15 million in funding from H.R. 3, The Transportation Equity Act Conference Report.

Fresno County will receive $7.6 million for Freeway 180 improvements from Hughes/West Avenue to Brawley and $5.3 million for rehabilitation, repair and/or reconstruction of deficient two-lane roads that connect to Interstate 5, State Route 180, State Route 41, and State Route 99 countywide.

Congressman Jim Costa will be available on Saturday, July 30, 2005 for comment on the recently passed Transportation Bill that provided funding for Highway 99.

When:  Saturday, July 30, 2005

Time:  1:30 pm

Place:  Patio In front of China Bistro and Kebab Time Restaurants

Pavilion West Shopping Center

South West Corner of Bullard Avenue and West Avenue

For More Information Contact:

Fresno, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) announced public broadcasting funds awarded to Kern County from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.  More than $8.8 million will be awarded to radio stations across the United States to help with the transition to Digital Services.

"Digital technology greatly enhances radio stations' ability to provide services to the public," Congressman Costa said.

Fresno, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) announced that Kern County will receive approximately $310,000 from the United States Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services.

"These funds play an integral role in the county's ability to maintain a safe environment in which residents can thrive," Congressman Costa said.

Four Point Plan for Budget Reform and Accountability

U.S. Congressmen Cardoza and Costa call for Congress and the President to put in place common sense budget reforms to pay for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and to secure our nation's financial future:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) called today (Tuesday, Nov.15) for greater Congressional oversight of decisions made by Amtrak Board of Directors.

In testimony before the Railroads Subcommittee of the House Transportation Committee, Costa said, "In reality the Administration wants to emasculate and then kill Amtrak, putting another unfunded mandate on the back of any state that decides to continue an inter-city rail system."

Fresno, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) issued the following statement in support for the Executive Order creating "A California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley."  This partnership will bring together various local and state government and private entities committed to bringing about economic growth and prosperity within the San Joaquin Valley.

Statement From Congressman Costa in Support of the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley:

Washington, D.C. - On April 13, 2005 at 1pm, the Subcommittee on Water and Power will hold an oversight hearing on "The Role of New Surface and Groundwater Storage in Providing Reliable Water and Power Supplies and Reducing Drought's Impacts."  John Stovall, former Legal Counsel to Kern Country Water District, will testify at the hearing.  

"Mr. Stovall's expertise in dealing with these issues is a great asset to the Committee and it is wonderful that he will be able to share his knowledge of water storage issues," Costa stated. 

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Jim Costa announced that California's 20th Congressional District will receive $16 million in funding from the Transportation Equity Act: Legacy for Users (TEA-LU).

1. $9.5 million for Freeway 180 improvements from Hughes/West Avenue to Brawley in Fresno County, CA.

2. $3.5 million for rehabilitation, repair, and/or reconstruction of deficient two-lane roads that connect to Interstate 5, State Route 180, State Route 41, and State Route 99 countywide in Fresno County, CA.

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Jim Costa, who represents California's 20th District, is pleased to announce his DC staff.

When:  Tuesday, July 5, 2005

Time:  10:30 am

The competition is open to ninth through twelfth grade students who live in the 20th Congressional District.  The deadline for submission of artwork is Friday, May 6, 2005.  The local winner will be invited to attend the festivities in Washington, DC on June 14, 2005.

Washington, DC - Calling it a step in the right direction to "Rid our great Valley of this devastating drug" Congressman Jim Costa urged passage of HR 3889; The Methamphetamine Epidemic Elimination Act scheduled for a vote today (?).

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) voiced his strong support today, Tuesday, 12/13/05 on the floor of the House of Representatives for preventing families from being exposed to the hazardous remains of methamphetamine labs.

Speaking in support of HR 798, "Methamphetamine Remediation Act of 2005," Costa brought attention to the epidemic sweeping the San Joaquin Valley.  "We in California's Central Valley have been fighting rampant meth abuse, production and clean up for over 20 years."

FRESNO, CA - Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced today (Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2005) that Fresno County will receive a grant totaling just over $1 million dollars from the United States Department of Justice office of the Bureau of Justice Assistance.

"These funds," Costa said, "help to compensate states and localities for the costs incurred for incarcerating undocumented criminal aliens." 

FRESNO, CA - Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced today (Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2005) that Kings County will receive a grant totaling over $100,000from the United States Department of Justice office of the Bureau of Justice Assistance.

"These funds," Costa said, "help to compensate states and localities for the costs incurred for incarcerating undocumented criminal aliens." 

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) announced federal transportation grants awarded to California's 20th Congressional District.

"I would like to congratulate the City of Coalinga and the City of Fresno on receiving these grants and thank them for their service to the Central Valley," Congressman Costa said.

The President's proposed budget seriously jeopardizes the future funding mechanism of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Crime Victims Fund.  The Fund was enacted to pay for victims' services and compensations.  It operates with money collected from criminal offenders, not taxpayers.  Once collected, the funding is distributed to victims and organizations that provide victims' services.  There are approximately 4,400 agencies that depend upon the victim assistance funds to provide direct services to 3.6 million crime victims a year. 

Washington DC - In celebration of Memorial Day week, Congressman Costa visits the troops.

Congressman Costa was invited on an official congressional trip oversees that will include stops in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan.  In addition to military personnel, Costa will be joined by Representatives Mike Sodrel (IN-09) and Lincoln Davis (TN-04).   

Fresno, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) announced that schools are eligible to apply for the Live In-Flight Downlink offered by NASA Spaceflight Education Opportunities (NSEO); which allows students, educators and community members to communicate with in-flight astronauts.

"This is an exciting chance for students to gain first-hand knowledge on a range of subjects from interacting with crewmembers on an in-space flight," Congressman Costa said.

Fresno, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) announced a Department of Housing and Urban Development grant to California's 20th Congressional District.

"The Indian Housing Block Grant will provide considerable funds to help provide affordable housing and services to the Santa Rosa Rancheria," Congressman Costa said.

Fresno, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) announced that Kern County will receive approximately $310,000 from the United States Department of Justice and the United States Department Health and Human Services.

"These funds play an integral role in the county's ability to maintain a safe environment in which residents can thrive," Congressman Costa said.

Today, the House Resources Committee agreed to two amendments introduced by Congressman Jim Costa to the Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act.  The Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act updates the Endangered Species Act.  Both amendments recognize the importance of local planning agencies and identify a role for them when considering recovery planning of endangered species.

Four valley Congressman will be at California State University, Fresno on Monday, October 24th to host the first meeting for the purpose of developing a long term Regional Water Plan for seven Valley counties.  This water plan will contain solutions regarding water supply, water quality, flood control and enactment of environmental restoration measures.  Representatives Dennis Cardoza, Jim Costa, Devin Nunes and George Radanovich will each give opening remarks.  The San Joaquin Valley Regional Water planning effort will bring together a diverse group

Fresno, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) announced Fresno County as the recipient of five Department of Housing and Urban Development grants totaling over $13 million.  Various cities in Fresno County will receive funds from the Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Shelter Grant, American Dream Downpayment Initiative, HOME program and Capital Fund Program.

Fresno, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) announced that two health organizations in the 20th district will receive federal funding, totaling near $678,000, from the United States Department of Health and Human Services.  National Health Services, Inc. in Shafter and Clinica Sierra Vista, Inc. in Bakersfield have been awarded funds to expand medical capacity and provide oral health access.

Fresno, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) announced that approximately $525,000 has been awarded to the City of Firebaugh from the Department of Housing and Community Development's HOME Investment Partnerships Program.

"These funds play an integral role in creating and maintaining housing activities," Congressman Costa said.

Fresno, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) announced Kings County as the recipient of two Department of Housing and Urban Development grants totaling near $5.6 million.  Various cities in Kings County will receive funds from the Community Development Block Grant and Capital Fund Program.

"As our communities grow so do housing needs and these funds help various people and organizations realize their goal of making housing options available to more community residents," Congressman Costa said.

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) and Congressman George Radanovich (CA-19) praised the inclusion of a provision that will benefit the Valley within the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2005 (HR 2864).  The House passed its version and it will be reconciled by the Conference Committee in the near future.  Costa and Radanovich issued the following statements in response to this action:

Costa

Fresno, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) announced that the US Department of State is accepting applications for the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program 2006-2007 academic year.

"All eligible teachers should apply because this is a great opportunity to not only share, but also gain cultural knowledge," Congressman Costa said.

Fresno, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) announced that the United States Department of Labor has awarded Employer's Training Resource of Kern County $1,753,577 from a National Farmworker Jobs Program Grant.

"The availability of adequate job training programs to all citizens is important and these funds will help to provide useful work related services to our migrant and seasonal farmworkers," Congressman Costa said.

Fresno, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) announced his support for the national program aimed at identifying the "100 Best Communities for Young People."  Cities and towns have the chance to compete for the title based on the opportunities and experiences they offer their youth.

"In our country there are numerous diverse communities that provide our youth with unique experiences and the recognition provided by this program allows these communities to broaden their outreach efforts," Congressman Costa stated.

Fresno, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) announced his support for the Executive Order creating "A California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley."  This partnership will bring together various government and private entities committed to bringing about economic growth and prosperity within the San Joaquin Valley.

Fresno, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) announced that $240,004 has been awarded to the City of Hanford from the Department of Housing and Community Development's HOME Investment Partnerships Program.

"These funds play an integral role in creating and maintaining housing activities," Congressman Costa said.

The City of Hanford's First-Time Homebuyer Acquisition-Only Program is the beneficiary of the grant.  The entire amount, $240,004, will be awarded to the First-Time Homebuyer program.

WASHINGTON, DC & FRESNO, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced that two new employees will be joining his staff.  Chris Rosander will serve as Costa's new District Director in Fresno, CA, and Bret Rumbeck will work in Washington, DC as a legislative and press assistant. 

"Both Chris and Bret bring deep Valley roots to my staff, and I am excited to have them on board," said Costa. 

FRESNO, CA - On Saturday June 23rd, Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno, will be available to the press to discuss recent Congressional action on the Farm Bill, the recently passed energy package, and immigration. 

WHO:             Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno

WHAT:           Media Availability

WHEN:           Saturday June 23, 2007, 1:45pm

WHERE:        Starbucks

                 2097 W. Bullard Avenue Fresno, CA 93711

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno, today announced that he is accepting applications for the House of Representatives Congressional Page Program for this fall semester.  Candidates must be at least 16 years old, entering their junior year in high school, carry at least a 3.0 GPA, and reside in the 20th Congressional District in order to apply.  This is a very competitive program, with only 66 Page positions available in the House of Representatives per semester.  The application deadline for the fall semester is June 13th.

FRESNO, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno, lead a press conference calling on Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to support continued funding for high speed rail in next year's state budget.  As the final weeks of debate between the Legislature and the Governor for the state budget near, there is a need to fund this critical project to continue the momentum and progress recently achieved.

BAKERSFIELD, CA - On Friday June 1, Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno, will be available to the press to discuss recent Congressional action on the military supplemental funding bill, the ethics reform package, and the minimum wage increase.  He will also be willing to discuss the House and Senate effort to bring about comprehensive bi-partisan immigration reform during June and July in cooperation with President Bush.

WHO:             Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno

WHAT:           Media Availability

FRESNO, CA -   Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno, will be traveling throughout the district during this week's district work period.  He will be available to the media following each of these events.  Please call for more information or interviews.

Wednesday May 30th, 2007

From 12:00pm to 1:30pm, the Congressman will attend the KSEE 24 Asian Pacific Islander Americans 2007 Portraits of Success Awards luncheon at the United Japanese Christian Church. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The continuing federal budget resolution passed by the House Wednesday contains money that could be used to complete construction of the Mendota Federal Prison, according to Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno.

Included in the Bureau of Prisons portion of the continuing resolution is more than $432 million in prison construction funds.

WASHINGTON, DC - Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) is currently leading a bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Sudan, Egypt, Greece and Germany.  Joining him are Congressman John Barrow (D-GA), Congressman G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA), Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Congressman Ray LaHood (R-IL), Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Congressman Brad Miller (D-NC), Congressman Jerry Moran (R-KS), and Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL).

BAKERSFIELD, CA -   On Friday, March 16, Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno, will be joined by Congressman Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield at a Listening Session regarding the 2007 Farm Bill. The Listening Session will provide an overview of the Bush Administration's proposals for the Farm Bill and industry stakeholders with the opportunity to discuss issues related to the Farm Bill and its impact on the Central Valley.

Reps. Costa and McCarthy will available to comment prior to the Listening Session.

WASHINGTON, D.C - Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno, has joined three other California House members from rural counties in calling on the state transportation commission to fund rural projects.

Costa, along with Reps. Lois Capps, D- Santa Barbara; George Radanovich, R-Mariposa; and Mike Thompson, D-Napa,  have sent a letter to Marian Bergeson, Chair of the California Transportation Commission calling for funding for rural projects.

Congressman Jim Costa will hold mobile office hours in Kings County on Thursday, February 22, 2007.

Bilingual staff members will be on hand to assist constituents with problems they are having with Federal agencies.

The locations and times of Congressman Costa's mobile office in Kings County are:

Hanford Branch Library

401 N. Douty Street, Hanford

Time: 10:00 am to 12 noon

Corcoran Branch Library

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno, and 48 Members of the bipartisan California Congressional Delegation, including Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, have sent a letter to President Bush, calling on him to immediately issue a Presidential disaster declaration for the 31 counties of California that sustained damage to the state's multi-billion dollar agricultural industry caused by extreme low temperatures.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Legislation to aid Valley farmers and workers, H.R. 925 was introduced today in the U.S. House of Representatives by a bipartisan coalition of 26 California House members led by Congressmen Jim Costa, D-Fresno, and Devin Nunes, R-Tulare.

Senator Barbara Boxer introduced a bill in the U.S. Senate today containing the same provisions.

FRESNO, CA -   On Friday, March 2, Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno, will be joined by Congressman Devin Nunes, R-Tulare, along with California Department of Agriculture A.G. Kawamura at a Listening Session regarding the 2007 Farm Bill. The Listening Session will provide an overview of the Bush Administration's proposals for the Farm Bill and industry stakeholders with the opportunity to discuss issues related to the Farm Bill and its impact on the Central Valley.

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) announced an AmeriCorps grant awarded to California's 20th Congressional District.

"I would like to congratulate Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission on receiving this AmeriCorps grant and thank them for their service to the Central Valley," Congressman Costa said.

FRESNO, CA -   On Friday, March 2, Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno, will be joined by Congressman Devin Nunes, R-Tulare, along with California Department of Agriculture A.G. Kawamura at a Listening Session regarding the 2007 Farm Bill. The Listening Session will provide an overview of the Bush Administration's proposals for the Farm Bill and industry stakeholders with the opportunity to discuss issues related to the Farm Bill and its impact on the Central Valley.

The Fresno lawmaker will be available to comment on the Bipartisan agreement on comprehensive immigration reform announced by leaders in the Senate and the President.

Fresno, CA - On Friday, August 12, 2005, Congressman Jim Costa will welcome U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns to Fresno to hear from Valley producers about the status of the 2007 Farm Bill. 

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Costa responded to the unfortunate news that Lemoore Naval Air Station (Lemoore NAS), which is located in Fresno and Kings Counties, has been included on the initial list of this year's round of base closures. 

"I respectfully disagree with the Department of Defense's decision to close Lemoore Naval Air Station.  The base provides a great service to the nation and community.  I will be very active in the review process and will do everything I can to reverse this decision," stated Costa.

FRESNO, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) led a bipartisan effort to help retain the only permanently stationed Air National Guard fighter unit in California.  The air base is the 144th Fighter Wing, headquartered in Fresno.

Congressman Costa sent a letter to Secretary Rumsfeld stressing the necessary and important role the 144th Fighter Wing plays not only in the Valley, but also in California.  Costa's letter was also signed by Valley Congressmen Devin Nunes (CA-21) and George Radanovich (CA-19).

Co-authored: Congressman Richard Pombo (CA-11), Congressman George Radanovich (CA-19), Congressman Dennis Cardoza (CA-18), Congressman Devin Nunes (CA-21) and Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20)

We've heard our relationship referred to as "extraordinary" and "unusual."  Well, we believe it is.  We are Members of Congress from the Central Valley and we work together on more issues than not.  Is this typical for Republicans and Democrats? Unfortunately, no.  Typical for a few guys from the Central Valley?  The answer - yes. 

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Costa responded to the initial list of this year's round of base closures. 

Both Lemoore Naval Air Station and the 144th Fighter Wing received a net gain according to the Department of Defense recommendations for base closures and realignments. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Praising the efforts of the nation's victims' rights movement Congressman Jim Costa, D- Fresno, today took the Bush Administration to task for what he called its, "wrongheaded attempt to balance the budget on the backs of victims."

For the past 25 years, I have worked hard as a California state legislator and, today, as a Member of Congress, to enact public policy that recognizes the needs and rights of crime victims. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Calling for a commonsense approach to Indian gaming policy, Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno, has introduced legislation in the House of Representatives to amend the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

FRESNO, CA - In order to help combat juvenile crime in the Central Valley, Congressman Jim Costa announced today the 20th Congressional District will receive over $100,000 in funds from the United States Department of Justice.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Praising the nation's victims' rights movement as having "not just a voice, but a vision," Congressman Jim Costa, D- Fresno, today introduced a concurrent resolution in the House of Representatives expressing Congress' support for the goals and ideals of National Crime Victims' Rights Week.  The observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week will take place April 23 through 29.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Calling for proper care and concern to be given to our nation's Veterans, Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno, has circulated a letter among members of the House of Representatives to support the recommended $85 million for the State Extended Care Facilities Grant Program.

WASHINGTON, DC - In a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) today expressed his concern over the proposed transfer of the Fresno Terminal Area Approach Control to Las Vegas.

"There are many areas of concern that need to be meticulously thought out prior to any decision," Costa noted.

The text of the letter follows:

June 21, 2006

Marion C. Blakey

Administrator

Statement of Congressman Jim Costa (CA20)

WASHINGTON, D.C. -"Today I voted for the Iraq resolution that has been debated on the floor of the House of Representatives this week.

WASHINGTON, DC-Citing, "A need to keep a close watch on taxpayer dollars," Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) today announced he was cosponsoring two bills requiring Congress to exercise its constitutional responsibility of executive-branch oversight; HR 841 and HR 5315.

FRESNO, CA - Citing much needed improvement to the City of Huron's Police Department facilities, Congressman Jim Costa announced today that the City of Huron will receive $50,000 Community Facility Grant from the United States Department of Agriculture.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Criticizing the House Leadership for blatant neglect of Military Members and Veterans Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno, said, "The actions today, symbolize the short-sighted nature with which the Leadership of the House of Representatives has approached our nation's spending habits." 

FRESNO, CA - In the wake of recent storms that deluged the Central Valley, Congressman Jim Costa announced today (1/6/06) that the 20th Congressional District will receive nearly $1.5 million from the United States Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency.

FRESNO, CA - Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced today that the Corcoran Joint Unified School District and the city of Corcoran will receive an investment grant from the United States Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration. The grant will be in the amount of $204,660. The funds will be used toward planning and designing a vocational training center.

FRESNO, CA - Congressman Jim Costa is seeking local student artists to compete in the Congressional Art Competition for the Twentieth District of California. 

The competition is open to ninth through twelfth grade students who live in the 20th Congressional District.  The deadline for submission of artwork is Friday, February 24, 2006. 

Over the summer, the local winner will be invited to the ribbon cutting ceremony in Washington, DC honoring the new entries, which are placed on exhibit at the Nation's Capitol.

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno, today declared his support for legislation being readied for introduction in both the House and Senate aimed at addressing the shortage of agriculture workers.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno, was selected today as chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources of House Natural Resources Committee.

Costa's selection was announced by Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall, D-WV.

FRESNO, CA - Congressman Jim Costa (D - Fresno) announced today he will host a grant workshop to acquaint non-profit organizations and local governments with federal and private funding opportunities. Agencies providing information include the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Fresno Regional Foundation and the American Humanics Program at California State University, Fresno. The workshop will be held on Thursday, August 24, at the Economic Opportunities Commission Board Room in downtown Fresno from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

Fresno, CA -Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) announced today that the Fresno Art Museum will receive the Museums of America grant in the amount of $149,176 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

FRESNO, CA - Pointing out the need for local housing development, Congressman Jim Costa (D - Fresno) announced today that the 20th Congressional District will receive over $4.5 million in Capital Fund grants from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

FRESNO, CA - In the effort to meet the affordable housing needs of California families Congressman Jim Costa announced today (1/4/06) that the City of Wasco will receive $1 million in HOME funds.

FRESNO, CA - Citing growing concern for creating an environment conducive to learning, Congressman Jim Costa (D - Fresno) announced today that the Hanford Elementary School District will receive $391, 104 from the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Demonstration Program. This grant is under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Education with the purpose of establishing or expanding counseling programs, and will be provided over a three-year period.