110th Congress

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Costaresponded to the initial list of this year's round of base closures.

BothLemoore Naval Air Station and the 144^th Fighter Wing received a netgain according to the Department of Defense recommendations for base closuresand realignments.

Washington, D.C. - Today,Congressman Costa responded to the unfortunate news that the 144^th FighterWing, which is located in Fresno,has been included on the initial list of this year's round of baseclosures.

"I respectfully disagree with the Department ofDefense's decision to close the 144^th. The 144^th provides a great serviceto the nation and community. I will bevery active in the review process and will do everything I can to reverse thisdecision," stated Costa.

Co-authored: CongressmanRichard Pombo (CA-11), Congressman George Radanovich (CA-19), CongressmanDennis Cardoza (CA-18), Congressman Devin Nunes (CA-21) and Congressman JimCosta (CA-20)

We've heard our relationship referred to as "extraordinary"and "unusual." Well, we believe itis. We are Members of Congress from the Central Valley and we work together on more issues thannot. Is this typical for Republicans andDemocrats? Unfortunately, no. Typicalfor a few guys from the Central Valley? The answer - yes.

FRESNO, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) led the effortto help retain the 20^th District's Lemoore Naval Air Station;headquartered in Lemoore, California. Congressman Costa sent a letter to Secretary Rumsfeld stressing the necessaryand vital role Lemoore Naval Air Station plays not only in the Valley, but alsothroughout the state of California.

The text of the letter follows.

Dear Secretary Rumsfeld:

FRESNO, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) led abipartisan effort to help retain the only permanently stationed Air NationalGuard fighter unit in California. The air base is the 144^th FighterWing, headquartered in Fresno.

Congressman Costa sent aletter to Secretary Rumsfeld stressing the necessary and important role the 144^thFighter Wing plays not only in the Valley, but also in California. Costa's letter was also signed by Valley Congressmen Devin Nunes (CA-21)and George Radanovich (CA-19).

FRESNO - CongressmanJim Costa will be traveling in the district on Friday, May 6, 2005.

TheCongressman will speak on Friday from 12:00 pm-1:30 pm at the BakersfieldChamber of Commerce Luncheon, which takes place at the DoubleTree Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court, Bakersfield.

Followingthis event the Congressman will be on site at Wayside Elementary School,1000 Ming Avenue, Bakersfield, from 3:00 pm-3:30 pm. Congressman Costa will listen to teachers' perspectiveson education issues.

Washington, D.C.- Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) announced an AmeriCorps grant awarded toCalifornia's20^th Congressional District.

"Iwould like to congratulate Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission onreceiving this AmeriCorps grant and thank them for their service to the Central Valley," Congressman Costa said.

Fresno, CA- On Wednesday, April 11, Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno,will be joined by California State Attorney General Jerry Brown and SanJoaquin Valley leaders at two separate events in Fresno. At the first event, Costaand Brown will discuss the Agricultural Crime Technology Information andOperations Network (ACTION) Project which focuses on agricultural crime. Thesecond event, Central Valley Latino Leaders Forum, will be a discussion of ruralcrime in our communities.