Jim Costa

Jim Costa was born on April 13, 1952, in Fresno, California. He is an American politician who has served as the U.S. Representative for California's 16th congressional district since 2013. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as the representative for the 20th district from 2005 until 2013. Costa has also served in the California State Assembly and the California State Senate. His career has focused on agricultural and water issues, important to his San Joaquin Valley district.

Jim Costa was elected to the California State Assembly in 1978, representing the 30th district. During his tenure, Costa served in various leadership roles, including as the Majority Floor Leader. His work focused on agriculture, water, and transportation issues, aligning with the needs of the Central Valley. Costa's legislative efforts helped in addressing infrastructure and economic development in his constituency. He served in the Assembly until 1994, when he was then elected to the California State Senate.

Jim Costa was elected to the California State Senate in 1994, representing the 16th district. During his time in the Senate, Costa focused on policies that affected rural and agricultural communities, including water and land use legislation. He chaired the Senate Agricultural and Water Resources Committee, where he was instrumental in passing bills aimed at supporting the farming community in California. Costa served in the State Senate until 2002, building a strong legislative record on water and agricultural issues.

On January 3, 2005, Jim Costa was sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives representing California's 20th congressional district. As a Congressman, Costa has been a proponent of water infrastructure projects and agricultural policies that benefit his Central Valley constituency. He continued prioritizing water and land use, reflecting his deep roots in an area where these issues are vital. Costa's leadership and experience in state government were instrumental in his transition to the federal level, where he advocated for the needs of his district.

On November 6, 2009, Jim Costa voted in favor of the Affordable Health Care for America Act, which sought to expand healthcare coverage and reform the healthcare system in the United States. This act was a critical piece of legislation aimed at providing comprehensive health insurance to millions of uninsured Americans and making healthcare more affordable. Costa's vote was significant in supporting the Democratic agenda for healthcare reform, aligning with his party's goals of increasing access to healthcare.

Jim Costa was sworn into office for California's 16th congressional district on January 3, 2013, after the district lines were redrawn. He has consistently worked on issues impacting his district, including water access, agriculture, and economic development. Costa has been involved in numerous legislative efforts to address the needs of his constituents, focusing on pragmatic and bipartisan solutions. His leadership has been pivotal in securing resources and support for infrastructure and other key initiatives in his area.

On June 14, 2017, Jim Costa was present at the practice session for the annual Congressional Baseball Game for Charity when a gunman opened fire, injuring several people, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise. Costa and other lawmakers took cover during the shooting. The incident brought attention to issues of security and gun violence, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures at public and political events. Costa later spoke about the experience, emphasizing the importance of unity and resilience in the face of violence.

Jim Costa was selected as a co-chair of the Blue Dog Coalition in the United States Congress on September 21, 2019. The Blue Dog Coalition is an official caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives that represents conservative Democrats. As a co-chair, Costa played an important role in shaping the legislative priorities and policy positions of the coalition, particularly focusing on fiscal responsibility and national security. Costa's chairmanship reflected his moderate approach to governance and his ability to work across party lines.

On June 25, 2020, Jim Costa introduced the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. This piece of legislation aimed at reforming the immigration system, specifically for agricultural workers. It proposed a path to legal status for those who have worked in U.S. agriculture and aimed to address labor shortages in this critical sector. The act included provisions for improving E-Verify and for modernizing the H-2A visa program, making it easier for farmers to hire workers quickly and legally. Costa's effort reflected his commitment to supporting the agricultural community in his district and across the nation.

On February 25, 2021, Jim Costa voted in favor of the Equality Act, a bill that aimed to expand the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The Equality Act sought to ensure that individuals, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation, receive equal treatment in employment, housing, public accommodations, and other areas. This vote was part of Costa's commitment to supporting civil rights and equality legislation.