Press Releases

Reps. Costa and Poe React to NFL’s “Punishment” for RB Ray Rice

July 25, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Victims' Rights Caucus co-founders and co-chairmen Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX) and Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA) issued the following statement on the NFL's "punishment" for Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice:

"Recently, a video emerged of Ray Rice, a Baltimore Ravens' running back, dragging his unconscious then-fiancée out of an elevator after allegedly punching her in the face several times.

Costa Responds to VA Report on Veteran Wait Times

July 22, 2014

Press Release

Washington, D.C. — Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) today responded to the release of a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) report on veteran wait times at VA Medical Centers nationwide. According to the report, new patients at the Fresno VA Medical Center wait an average of 25 days for a Primary Care appointment and 61 days for a Specialty Care appointment.

"For our veterans, delayed health care is denied health care," said Costa.

Costa Announces Funding for Southwest Groundwater Banking Program

July 22, 2014

Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) announced $1 million in WaterSMART grants for the Southwest Groundwater Banking Program. The funding, which comes from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, will allow the Fresno Irrigation District (FID) to develop a new 60 acre groundwater recharge basin as part of the District's Southwest Groundwater Banking Program.

Costa Applauds Passage of Veterans Access to Care Act of 2014

July 22, 2014

Press Release

Washington, D.C. — This week both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate passed the bipartisan Veterans Access to Care Act of 2014. The legislation, which Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) proudly cosponsored, directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into contracts with non-VA facilities to ensure veterans have access to hospital care and medical services.

"The Veterans Access to Care Act of 2014 will help ensure that our veterans are receiving the high level of healthcare they have earned," said Rep. Costa.

Costa Outraged at AT&T Call Center Closure

July 22, 2014

Press Release

Merced, CA- Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) expressed extreme frustration over AT&T's announced closure of the company's two call centers at the Castle Commerce Center in Atwater. The closure will result in the loss of 400 jobs, the largest private sector layoff in Merced County in more than two decades.

"These jobs are critical to the hardworking families of Merced County and their loss will have a negative economic impact throughout the county," said Rep. Costa.

Costa Supports Bipartisan Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

July 22, 2014

Press Release

Washington, D.C. — Yesterday evening, Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno) supported H.R. 803, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which passed the U.S. House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support. The legislation, which is headed to President Obama's desk for signature, will reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, thereby updating the nation's workforce development system.

"The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act is crucial to getting Americans back to work and revitalizing our economy.

Costa Responds to Speaker Boehner’s Refusal to Address Immigration Reform

July 22, 2014

Press Release

Fresno, CA — Today, Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) issued the following statement after President Obama pledged to take administrative action to address immigration. The President acknowledged that Speaker Boehner will not allow the House to vote on immigration reform legislation this year.

"It is the job of Congress to face and resolve challenging issues, like our broken immigration," said Rep. Jim Costa.

Costa Hails Introduction of Senate Bill to Renew and Improve BLM Energy Permitting Program

June 6, 2014

Press Release

Fresno, Calif. — Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno) today praised the introduction of a bipartisan bill to extend a pilot program that has helped the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) balance complex demands, including oil and gas permitting and environmental management in the West. Senators Tom Udall (D-NM) and John Barrasso (R-WY) introduced the legislation today.

Costa Announces $6.3 Million in Agricultural Water Conservation and Efficiency Grants

June 6, 2014

Press Release

Fresno, Calif. — Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno) today announced $6.3 million in Agricultural Water Conservation and Efficiency grants. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, released the federal funding to help communities in California modernize their water infrastructure and more efficiently use scarce water resources.

Costa Responds to Secretary Shinseki’s Resignation

May 30, 2014

Press Release

Costa: "We must get to the bottom of this mess"
Washington, D.C. — Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno) today responded to the resignation of Secretary Eric Shinseki, calling the problems at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) "endemic." Costa has worked for years to provide the department with the necessary resources to care for our veterans and hold officials accountable for unacceptable wait times at VA Regional Offices.