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The hearing focused on the various definitions of "rural" applied under programs operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Congressman Costa is the Ranking Democratic Member on the Subcommittee.

Statement as prepared for delivery:

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jim Costa(D-Fresno) sharply criticized the Department of the Army's treatment of a burialwaiver request for Hmong General Vang Pao to be interred at Arlington NationalCemetery in a letter addressed to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Secretaryof the Army John McHugh issued a rejection of the burial waiver on February 4,2011, the first day of the Hmong General's well-attended funeral.

The grant, made available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Health Center program, will enable these health centers to provide comprehensive, quality health care services to families in the Central Valley.

Costa Calls on Salazar to Ease Restrictions

"The system is broken, period."

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced that the Interior Department is forecasting an increased federal water supply allocation for south of the Delta agricultural contractors.

In its 2011 Federal Water Allocation Outlook, the Interior Department forecasts a water allocation of 50 percent.

Costa: "We cannot use an axe where a scalpel is needed"

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 1, a continuing resolution that would fund the federal government through September 30, 2011:

"This week the House had a serious debate about the difficult task of putting our economy back on the path toward fiscal sustainability. With our national debt approaching $14 trillion, it is imperative that we cut spending, grow our economy, and create jobs for the San Joaquin Valley.

High school students living in the 20th Congressional District are encouraged to enter the competition for a chance to have their piece exhibited en route to the United States Capitol Building for an entire year.

Costa: "Our Valley is set to receive more water than in recent years. This is good news for Valley jobs and our economy."

FRESNO – Congressman Jim Costa today announced that the Interior Department is forecasting a federal water supply allocation for south of the Delta agricultural contractors that is four times greater than last year's initial allocation. In its 2011 Federal Water Allocation Outlook, the Interior Department forecasts a water allocation of 45%. Last year's initial water allocation was a mere 5%.

FRESNO – Congressman Jim Costa today requested that Major General Vang Pao be granted eligibility for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. The letter, which was also signed by Congressmen Dennis Cardoza, Madeleine Bordallo and Tim Holden, was sent on behalf of the General's family to both Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki.