Press Releases
Washington, D.C.- Congressman Jim Costa, who represents Merced County, and Congressman Tom McClintock, who represents Mariposa County, introduced a bill today that would allow Merced Irrigation District to apply to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to raise the spillway at Lake McClure. The legislation adjusts the Merced Wild and Scenic River boundary to match the FERC project boundary for the New Exchequer Dam.
Fresno, CA – Rep. Jim Costa called for action to increase water supplies South of Delta to U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Mike Connor today. In the letter, Costa outlined specific steps that the Bureau could take immediately that would result in thousands of additional acre feet of water every day.
Washington, DC – Rep. Jim Costa, Co-Chair of the Congressional Victims' Rights Caucus, supported legislation that expands protections for victims and survivors and gives victims' advocates and law enforcement the tools necessary to protect vulnerable populations. The reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which won bipartisan support in the House of Representatives and Senate, is now headed to the President for his signature.
Washington, DC- Reps. Jim Costa and Doc Hastings, co-chairs of the Congressional Specialty Crop Caucus, announced today the reorganization of the caucus and membership for the 113th Congress. The Caucus aims to raise awareness about the issues facing specialty crop growers and processors and advocate for policies that allow these producers to continue to provide American families with safe, healthy foods.
Washington, DC – Congressman Jim Costa released the following statement in response to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announcement of an initial federal water allocation of 25 percent for south of Delta agriculture water service contractors. With average rainfall, the allocation could rise to 35 percent by April which is still insufficient to meet the needs of Valley agriculture.
Announce Membership for 113th Congress
February 22, 2013
Washington, DC- Reps. Jim Costa, David Valadao, and David Cicilline, co-chairs of the Congressional Portuguese Caucus, announced today the reorganization of the caucus and membership for the 113th Congress. The Caucus aims to strengthen the long-standing ties between the United States and Portugal as well as increase awareness of the achievements of the over 1 million Americans of Portuguese descent.
Fresno, CA – Rep. Jim Costa announced that he has nominated 10 students from across the Valley for admission to one of the United States service academies. These students represent the best of the regions' youth through their excellence in academics, athletics, and service.
Washington, D.C.– U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (D-CA), Glenn ‘GT' Thompson (R-PA), Gene Green (D-TX), and Tom Reed (R-NY) today announced an expanded, four-member leadership team for the Congressional Natural Gas Caucus, a bipartisan effort to educate Members of Congress and the American people about the importance of natural gas as a domestic energy resource, its role in meeting the nation's energy demand and in attaining energy security.
Washington, DC – Rep. Jim Costa announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) with a $583,941 grant for a clean-diesel, ADA- accessible motor coach to add to their growing fleet. The new bus will help expand existing service to Yosemite National Park and meet the increasing needs for alternative transit to the park.
Thanks Haller & Rivera for Heroic Service
February 20, 2013
Washington, DC – Rep. Jim Costa congratulated California Highway Patrol Officers Sean Haller and Rafael Rivera who were honored for their heroic service by Vice President Joe Biden and Attorney General Eric Holder. The two were among 18 public safety officers nationwide to receive the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, the highest national award for valor by public safety officers.