Media

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) will join his Blue Dog Coalition colleagues in a meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House. They will be discussing the stimulus package and long-term fiscal issues facing Congress. Costa will also ask the President to visit the San Joaquin Valley. Prior to the meeting, Costa released the following statement.

Build on UnprecedentedTransparency Instituted in the 110^th 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:

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

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.

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.

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.

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

"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.