110th Congress

Amtrak Reauthorization Passes House of Representatives

June 12, 2008

Legislation Includes Funding for High-Speed Rail Development In America

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6003, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, legislation to authorize appropriations for Amtrak for fiscal years 2009 to 2013. The bill also authorizes $1.75 billion in grants over the next five years to states and/or Amtrak to finance the construction and equipment for high-speed rail.

House Passes Bill To Designate Wilderness Areas in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park

June 10, 2008

Press Release

Legislation Names Wilderness Area After Former Congressman John Krebs

Rep. Costa Announces Opening of the Competitive Training Grant Program Application Period

May 19, 2008

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced that the application period for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) National Preparedness Directorate Competitive Training Grant Program (CTGP) opened today. These grants will provide approximately $27.2 million to address homeland security training needs to prevent, protect and respond to acts of terrorism and catastrophic events.

"Grants like this are vital to localities to train for potential attacks or tragic events," said Costa.

Rep. Costa Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month

May 19, 2008

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressmen Jim Costa (D-Fresno) called on all residents of the San Joaquin Valley to join in celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month, which begins today. Costa released the following statement to celebrate and honor Jewish culture in America.

"When the first Jewish settlers came to this land over 350 years ago, they sought a new world to practice their faith freely and without persecution. Since then, Jews have made numerous contributions in technology, literature, entertainment, politics and medicine which add to the fabric of American life.

Congressmen Costa and Cardoza Applaud UC Regents Decision to Authorize Continued Planning of UC Merced Medical School

May 14, 2008

Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressmen Jim Costa (D-Fresno) and Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced) applauded the decision of the University of California's Board of Regents to authorize UC Merced, the newest UC campus, to continue planning for a medical school. The next phase of planning will allow UC Merced to create a medical school planning office, develop curriculum, and prepare a full proposal and business plan.

"Today's decision by the UC Board of Regents is going to set our Valley on the right path to curb the physician shortage we are experiencing.

Rep. Costa Calls On New Nominee To Answer Questions On The Armenian Genocide

May 8, 2008

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) sent a letter to Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovich, the new nominee to be the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia. Costa asked Ambassador Yovanovich to answer questions about her feelings on the events that happened in Turkey between 1915 and 1923.

"It is important that the United States fill this empty diplomatic position in Yerevan, Armenia," said Costa.

Costa Honored by Blue Dog Coalition for Leadership in Restoring Fiscal Responsibility to Government

May 8, 2008

Press Release

Washington, D.C. - Today, members of the fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition honored California Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) for his leadership in restoring fiscal responsibility and accountability to the federal government. As a leading member of the Blue Dogs and senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, Representative Costa has made significant strides in restoring the fiscal stability and economic security of the United States by implementing common-sense policies such as pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) budgeting.

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Rep. Costa Announces Winner Of Congressional Art Competition

May 7, 2008

Press Release

FRESNO, CA - Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced that Johnny Reyes of Hanford, CA is the winner of this year's Congressional Art Competition. Reyes' sketch, titled "Thinking of You", was inspired by a letter his grandfather sent while serving in the Pacific Theater of World War II. His artwork, along with winning artwork from around the nation, will be on display in the Cannon tunnel for one year. Reyes' grandfather will accompany Reyes and his mother to Washington, D.C. to attend an official ribbon cutting ceremony which will display Reyes' drawing.

Rep. Costa Statement Regarding 93rd Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

April 24, 2008

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) made the following statement on the Floor of the House of Representatives regarding the 93rd anniversary of the start of the Armenian Genocide.

Costa is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and supported H. Res. 106, a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide in the United States, when it came before him in Committee last October.

Reps. Costa and Putnam Introduce Landmark Food Safety Legislation

April 23, 2008

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) and Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) introduced legislation to modernize America's food safety network. The Safe Food Enforcement, Assessment, Standards and Targeting Act, "Safe FEAST Act," would establish new food safety requirements for domestically produced and imported food to identify and prevent potential sources of food-borne illness. For the first time, the measure grants the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) statutory power to recall contaminated food in the case of adulteration.