Skip to main content

Press Releases

February 9, 2009

Build on UnprecedentedTransparency Instituted in the 110th Congress

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Dave Obey (D-WI), Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, and Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-HI), incoming Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced three significant changes to further increase transparency and reduce funding levels for earmarks, building on reforms brought about in the last Congress.

Previously implemented reforms:

February 9, 2009

Costa: This Legislation Will Provide Health Care Coverage For 11 Million Children

February 9, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced that two grants have been awarded to the City of Fresno and Fresno County to assist states and local governments in addressing the impact of abandoned and foreclosed properties. These funds are being awarded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which is based on the number and percent of home foreclosures, homes financed by subprime mortgage loans and homes in default or delinquency.

February 9, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced that a grant of $200,000 has been awarded to WestCare California, Inc. These funds are being awarded through the Department of Health and Human Services' Transitional Living Program. With these funds, WestCare is required to provide youth with stable, safe living accommodations and services that help them develop the skills necessary to move to independence.

February 9, 2009

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by a vote of 244 to 188. Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) supported the measure. The act is an $825 billion package of tax cuts and investments and is estimated to create 3 to 4 million new jobs.

February 9, 2009

FRESNO, CA – Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced his nominations to the United States Naval Academy and West Point. Costa nominated a total of five Valley students from Fresno and Kings County.

"We had some truly outstanding young men and women apply for an academy nomination this year," said Costa. "These students have the opportunity to obtain a world class education, and then serve our nation as military officers after graduation. I am incredibly proud of all of them, and everyone who applied."

Fresno County

February 9, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Following a meeting this evening with USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, Congressmen Jim Costa (D-Fresno) Dennis Cardoza (D-Atwater), David Scott (D-GA), and Collin Peterson (D-MN), Costa released this statement.

"The largest dairy state in the nation is California, and it is vital for Secretary Vilsack to understand the problems that our dairy farmers are facing today. With domestic and global demand for U.S.

July 30, 2008
WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced that a grant of $24,750 has been awarded to the City of Mendota to purchase 12 security cameras for critical infrastructure and public areas for safety, as well as a toughbook laptop. These funds are being awarded through the United States Department of Agriculture under the Economic Impact Initiative Grant program.

"I am very happy to hear that Mendota is receiving federal funds to protect their wastewater plant, city hall and Rojas Pierce Park," said Costa.

July 30, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) and a bipartisan group of legislators introduced the National Conservation, Environment and Energy Independence Act. The bill takes a comprehensive approach to increase energy supply, while reducing energy demand. It also provides funding for a variety of goals, including environmental restoration, energy conservation, renewable energy, carbon capture and sequestration, and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
July 25, 2008
FRESNO, CA - Today, the House Subcommittee on Water and Power held a field hearing in Fresno, CA on the federal government's response to the California drought. Members heard from local officials, farmers, residents, and water experts on how the drought is impacting the Valley's cities and the economy. Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno), a member of the Subcommittee, was in attendance.

"This current water shortage is having a devastating effect for our farmers and farm-workers, and as a result, everyone living in the Valley," said Costa.