Jim Costa

Jim Costa (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing California's 21st Congressional District. He assumed office on January 3, 2023. His current term ends on January 3, 2025.

Costa (Democratic Party) is running for re-election to the U.S. House to represent California's 21st Congressional District. He is on the ballot in the primary on March 5, 2024.

Costa served in the California State Assembly from 1978 to 1994 and in the California State Senate from 1994 to 2002.

Biography

Jim Costa was born in Fresno, California. Costa earned a B.A. in political science from California State University at Fresno in 1974.^[1]^[2] His career experience includes working as a farmer.^[3]

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2023-2024

Costa was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

Committee on Agriculture
Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry, Ranking Member

2021-2022

Costa was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

2019-2020

Costa was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

2017-2018

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Costa was assigned to the following committees:^[4]

2015-2016

Costa served on the following committees:^[5]

2013-2014

Costa served on the following committees:^[6]

Agriculture Committee
- Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management
- Subcommittee on Horticulture, Research, Biotechnology and Foreign Agriculture
- Subcommittee on Livestock, Rural Development and Credit (Ranking member)
Natural Resources Committee
- Subcommittee on Water and Power
- Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources

2011-2012

Costa served on the following committees:^[7]

Agriculture Committee
- Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy, and Forestry Ranking Member
- Subcommittee on Rural Development, Research, Biotechnology, and Foreign Agriculture, Ranking Member
Natural Resources Committee
- Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
- Subcommittee on Water and Power

Elections

2024

General election

The primary will occur on March 5, 2024. The general election will occur on November 5, 2024. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 21

Incumbent Jim Costa and Michael Maher are running in the primary for U.S. House California District 21 on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate
		Jim Costa (D)
		Michael Maher (R)

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
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Endorsements

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2022

General election

General election for U.S. House California District 21

Incumbent Jim Costa defeated Michael Maher in the general election for U.S. House California District 21 on November 8, 2022.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Jim Costa (D)	54.2	68,074
	Michael Maher (R)	45.8	57,573

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 125,647
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Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 21

Incumbent Jim Costa and Michael Maher defeated Matt Stoll and Eric Garcia in the primary for U.S. House California District 21 on June 7, 2022.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Jim Costa (D)	47.0	33,850
✔	Michael Maher (R)	26.4	19,040
	Matt Stoll (R)	16.6	11,931
	Eric Garcia (D)	10.0	7,239

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 72,060
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

2020

General election

General election for U.S. House California District 16

Incumbent Jim Costa defeated Kevin Cookingham in the general election for U.S. House California District 16 on November 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Jim Costa (D)	59.4	128,690
	Kevin Cookingham (R)	40.6	88,039

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 216,729
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 16

Incumbent Jim Costa and Kevin Cookingham defeated Esmeralda Soria and Kim Williams in the primary for U.S. House California District 16 on March 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Jim Costa (D)	37.5	41,228
✔	Kevin Cookingham (R)	35.2	38,652
	Esmeralda Soria (D)	21.4	23,484
	Kim Williams (D)	5.9	6,458

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 109,822
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Candidate profile

Jim Costa

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: Yes

Political Office:

U.S. House California District 16 (Assumed office: 2013)

U.S. House California District 20 (2005-2013)

California State Senate (1994-2002)

California State Assembly (1978-1994)

Biography: Costa graduated with a B.A. in political science from California State University, Fresno, in 1974.

Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

Costa described himself by saying, "I’m a moderate. That’s what I’ve always been. I try to represent the breadth and width of the Valley."

Costa said, "Nobody has done more in elective office at the state or federal level than I have accomplished in 20 years plus." He stated, "I am proud of my record to expand access to healthcare, protect our immigrants and DREAMers, improve education, clean up contaminated groundwater and increase our water supplies."

Costa said that Soria previously supported him. He called her a friend and said, "We’ve always worked well together, and in my recent meeting with her she did not mention any issues with my leadership."

Show sources

Sources: Politico, "'She is tired of waiting her turn': Costa stares down liberal challenger," February 12, 2020 The Fresno Bee, "New Costa ad takes aim at challenger Soria, heating up race for congressional seat," February 6, 2020 Facebook, "Jim Costa for Congress on February 14, 2020," accessed February 16, 2020 yourcentralvalley.com, "Congressman Jim Costa ‘very disappointed’ Fresno City Council Member is running for 16th Congressional District," July 12, 2019; Jim Costa 2020 campaign website, "About Jim," accessed February 16, 2020 Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, "Costa, Jim (1952-)," accessed February 16, 2020

This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House California District 16 in 2020.

2018

See also: California's 16th Congressional District election, 2018

See also: California's 16th Congressional District election (June 5, 2018 top-two primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House California District 16

Incumbent Jim Costa defeated Elizabeth Heng in the general election for U.S. House California District 16 on November 6, 2018.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Jim Costa (D)	57.5	82,266
	Elizabeth Heng (R)	42.5	60,693

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 142,959
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 16

Incumbent Jim Costa and Elizabeth Heng advanced from the primary for U.S. House California District 16 on June 5, 2018.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Jim Costa (D)	53.0	39,527
✔	Elizabeth Heng (R)	47.0	35,080

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 74,607
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2016

See also: California's 16th Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Democratic. Incumbent Jim Costa (D) defeated Johnny Tacherra (R) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Costa and Tacherra defeated David Rogers (R) in the top-two primary on June 7, 2016.^[8]^[9]

**U.S. House, California District 16 General Election, 2016**
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Jim Costa Incumbent	58%	97,473
	Republican	Johnny Tacherra	42%	70,483
Total Votes				167,956
Source: California Secretary of State

**U.S. House, California District 16 Primary, 2016**
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Jim Costa Incumbent	55.9%	52,822
	Republican	Johnny Tacherra	32.8%	31,028
	Republican	David Rogers	11.2%	10,606
Total Votes				94,456
Source: California Secretary of State

2014

See also: California's 16th Congressional District elections, 2014

**U.S. House, California District 16 General Election, 2014**
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Jim Costa Incumbent	50.7%	46,277
	Republican	Johnny Tacherra	49.3%	44,943
Total Votes				91,220
Source: California Secretary of State

**U.S. House, California District 16 Primary, 2014**
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Jim Costa Incumbent	44.3%	25,586
	Republican	Johnny Tacherra	21.7%	12,542
	Republican	Steve Crass	15.4%	8,877
	Republican	Mel Levey	7.9%	4,565
	Republican	Joanna Garcia-Botelho	6.6%	3,827
	Democratic	Job Melton	4.1%	2,370
Total Votes				57,767
Source: California Secretary of State

2012

See also: California's 16th Congressional District elections, 2012

**U.S. House, California District 16 General Election, 2012**
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Jim Costa Incumbent	57.4%	84,649
	Republican	Brian Daniel Whelan	42.6%	62,801
Total Votes				147,450
Source: California Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

**U.S. House, California District 16 Open Primary, 2012**
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Jim Costa (D) Incumbent	42.7%	25,355
Brian Daniel Whelan (R)	25.3%	15,053
Johnny Tacherra (R)	11.4%	6,776
Mark Garcia (R)	11%	6,529
Loraine Goodwin (D)	9.6%	5,703
Total Votes		59,416

Full history

To view the full congressional electoral history for Jim Costa, click [show] to expand the section.

2010

On November 2, 2010, Jim Costa won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Andy Vidak (R) in the general election.^[10]

U.S. House, California District 20 General Election, 2010
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Jim Costa incumbent	51.7%	46,247
	Republican	Andy Vidak	48.3%	43,197
Total Votes				89,444

2008

On November 4, 2008, Jim Costa won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Jim Lopez (R) in the general election.^[11]

U.S. House, California District 20 General Election, 2008
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Jim Costa incumbent	74.3%	93,023
	Republican	Jim Lopez	25.7%	32,118
Total Votes				125,141

2006

On November 7, 2006, Jim Costa won re-election to the United States House. He ran unopposed in the general election.^[12]

U.S. House, California District 20 General Election, 2006
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Jim Costa incumbent	0%	0
Total Votes				61,120

2004

On November 2, 2004, Jim Costa won election to the United States House. He defeated Roy Ashburn (R) in the general election.^[13]

U.S. House, California District 20 General Election, 2004
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Jim Costa	53.4%	61,005
	Republican	Roy Ashburn	46.6%	53,231
Total Votes				114,236

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

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You can ask Jim Costa to fill out this survey by using the button below or emailing info@jimcosta.com.

2022

Jim Costa did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

2020

Campaign website

Costa’s campaign website stated the following:

“

Issues & Legislation

Fighting for Water

The San Joaquin Valley needs water to survive. Our Valley’s jobs and way of life are at stake, and it is my top priority to ensure that our farmers, workers, and communities receive the water we need to get our economy going again.

We are making progress, and each day is a new opportunity to secure more water and take on the critics of our Valley. This page will provide you with background on the water crisis, along with news and updates on my ongoing efforts to increase the flow of water to our Valley.

Producing Results

Water is the lifeblood of our Valley. Without water there are no jobs and no economic opportunity. Fighting to increase our water supply is my top priority and we are making progress.

Our Valley’s water challenges have taught us a lot about the art of the possible. In pressing this Administration to look for other ways to operate the water projects, we were successful in boosting the water allocation to Valley farmers over the past two years and continue to push for more. I fought hard for better science to be used so that we take a look at all the factors affecting the decline of the Delta, not just the pumps. Our Valley has been winning that fight and now the federal agencies are going back to the drawing board. I also worked with my colleagues in Congress to secure funding for the Valley and expedite water infrastructure projects like the California Aqueduct/Delta Mendota Canal Intertie project, which had been backlogged for more than 25 years. Last Congress, I also introduced H.R. 1251, the More Water for Our Valley Act, which continues my efforts to find commonsense solutions to California’s broken water system.

Looking at the Long-Term

There is no silver bullet that will solve all of our water problems. Compromise involves working together in a bipartisan fashion to find common ground on solutions for the short-term, interim, and long-term, and we have to work on all of them at the same time.

Valley communities require a sustainable water supply now as we work through long-term issues. We need to build new infrastructure that includes major conveyance and storage projects such as the Peripheral Canal/Tunnel, Temperance Flat, and raising Shasta Dam. If we expect to find compromise and stop the ages-old water wars, we need to fix our broken plumbing system, and rebuilding our infrastructure will get us to an even better place than we are today.

Our work is far from over, but we are winning this fight and more water is flowing to the Valley.

We will continue to fight against regulations that send water to the Pacific Ocean and do not consider the health and welfare of the Valley’s residents and their environment. We will continue to press the Administration and support a legal strategy to get the pumps flowing at maximum capacity. We will also continue to take on our critics and keep working towards long-term solutions to protect our Valley and state’s water supply for generations to come.

Improving Education

Education is the key to the future success of our children and promoting long-term economic opportunity across the Valley. Providing access to a high quality and affordable education is essential for our children to compete in today’s ever-evolving workforce and to ensure that they can make the kind of living our parents fought to provide our generation. To make good on these goals, our students must have the resources, schools and teachers they need in order to graduate high school prepared for college or their career.

A good education begins early on. As a result, I’ve fought to support programs like Head Start and Early Head Start in our Valley. For instance, I’ve worked to secure nearly $14 million for the Head Start program operated by the Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission. I also supported $3.3 million to strengthen Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Kings County.

I have also fought for additional support to improve Valley schools and universities. During these tough times, many schools faced teacher layoffs and drastic budget cuts. To keep teachers in the classrooms I supported legislation like the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act. According to the National Education Association, this bill protected over 900 teaching jobs in our district. No one would have felt the effects of those job losses more than Valley students and families.

In addition, I have worked to secure funding for Valley community colleges and universities. This includes funding for West Hills College to create new academic programs in agriculture and water science, and funding for CSU Fresno to recruit and train more students in the field of agriculture education. These programs are double wins for our Valley. Not only do they allow more Valley students to obtain college degrees, but they also train the next generation of leaders to grow our agriculture economy.

One of the most important aspects of improving education is making college affordable. As college tuition has skyrocketed over the past years, a degree from a 2-year of 4-year college has become less obtainable for too many Valley students. To make it easier for Valley students to attend college and secure a good-paying job, I helped pass the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007 which increased Pell Grants and cut student loan interest rates. In 2010, I helped pass a new law that switched all schools to the more efficient Direct Loan program, saving $61 billion. This new law makes it easier for Valley students to finance their educations and $19 billion of the savings will go towards reducing the federal deficit.

Investing in our children's education is central to supporting economic development in our Valley and ensuring that we have an educated workforce that will meet the demands and challenges of the 21st century. I will continue working to secure the resources needed to strengthen Valley education and advocate for the greatest standards for our children.

Protecting Valley Agriculture

As a third generation family farmer, I know first-hand the daily challenges our farmers and ranchers face. Agriculture is our way of life and the viability of our region depends on this industry to create jobs and economic opportunity. This is why I have made protecting and growing Valley agriculture a top priority.

Securing a stable supply of water for our farmers and farm communities is central to supporting Valley agriculture. To make sure our farmers have the water they need to put food on America’s dinner table and put people back to work, I have pressed the Administration to increase our water allocations, secured federal funding for Valley water projects, and fought the flawed federal regulations that limit the water flowing to our region. Our work to secure our fair share is far from over, but we have made progress. To learn more about my fight for Valley water, click here.

Along with fighting for water, I have worked to ensure that our government recognizes the vital role Valley agriculture plays in our national economy. Our Valley is the leading producer of specialty crops which include tree nuts, fruits, dried fruits, and vegetables. For too long, the Valley did not receive its fair share of federal funds for these kinds of crops. To fix this, I worked with other Valley leaders to secure $1.7 billion for specialty crops in the 2008 Farm Bill. This was a win for our local economy and success we can build on.

A critical part of Valley agriculture is our dairy industry. In 2009, dairy farms throughout the Valley and nation experienced one of the worst price crises of the last 40 years. America’s roughly 65,000 dairies lost over $12 billion. Sharp losses forced dairy farmers to lay off workers and, in many cases, shutter their operations. To protect Valley jobs and help the dairy industry get back on track, I introduced the Dairy Price Stabilization Act. My plan would promote market stability and individual dairy farmers’ ability to grow their own business.

I have also worked to reduce some of regulatory burdens placed on Valley farmers and ranchers. Part of my work during the 2008 Farm Bill was to secure addition funding through the Environmental Quality Incentive Program to help farmers convert equipment to newer engines that meet air quality standards and water funding that helped growers install drip irrigation systems. I also support fully repealing the estate tax and have supported legislation that would exempt family farms and ranches from this burden. I know from personal experience the difficulty of protecting your family farm when a family member passes away.

I speak with our Valley’s farmers and ranchers on a daily basis to discuss what we can do to strengthen our agriculture industry. Being in close contact has allowed me to respond quickly to our Valley’s needs. When the European Grapevine Moth was detected in our Valley, I was able to press the USDA to release $2.75 million to help our farmers combat this foreign pest. These funds helped mitigate some of the economic impact it had on our summer harvest.

These are only a few examples of my work on behalf of Valley farmers and ranchers. Whether it is fighting for more water, securing additional funding, or advocating for expanding trade opportunities, I will continue to work to help our agriculture economy grow.

Addressing California's Housing Needs

Homeownership helps to form the foundation of the American Dream, but that dream is under attack. The housing crisis in our country ripped the bottom out of our economy and left millions of Americans with few other options than foreclosure. Few communities in the United States were hit harder when the housing bubble burst than the San Joaquin Valley. Hundreds of thousands of Valley families lost their homes – often a family’s biggest investment – and entire neighborhoods were economically decimated.

As your representative in Congress, I will do all that I can to cut through the red tape in Washington and connect you with the right resources to help you stay in your home. You can find more information about how I can help by clicking here.

While I will fight as hard as I can to prevent our homes from falling into foreclosure, we need an aggressive and comprehensive national strategy to right the market. For years, both the Bush and Obama administrations have tried and failed to fix the housing crisis. I will continue to push this administration and my colleagues in Congress to take action now.

One important step the Congress could take to stem the tide of these devastating foreclosures is to pass the Housing Opportunity and Mortgage Equity Act (H.R. 363). This legislation would put thousands of dollars in the pockets of millions of families across the country by allowing millions of responsible homeowners to refinance home mortgages at historically low rates. Preventing additional foreclosures would help families rebuild lost savings and wealth and our communities get back on their feet.

Strengthening Healthcare

What Health Care Reform Means For You

FOR THE VALLEY:

No discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions
Children can stay on their parents’ insurance until they’re 26
Ban on insurance plans dropping you if you get sick
Ban on lifetime coverage limits and caps out-of-pocket expenses
Tax cuts for 156,000 middle class households in the district to pay for coverage

FOR SENIORS:

Closing the Medicare Part D donut hole
Extends the solvency of the Medicare Trust Fund from 2017 to 2026
Free preventive care under Medicare – no co-payments and deductibles
Help for early retirees – temporary coverage for ages 55-64

FOR WOMEN:

Ban on gender rating that results in higher premiums for women
Eliminates all co-pays and deductibles for preventive services like mammograms
No discrimination for pre-existing conditions such as having had a C-section or being the victim of domestic violence

FOR SMALL BUSINESSES:

$40 billion in tax credits for small businesses to help them offer employee coverage
9,700 small businesses in the district qualify for tax credits of up to 50% of the costs of providing insurance
The same access to quality, affordable coverage that larger firms have
Lower administrative costs and stable pricing from year to year

Energy Sustainability

Our Valley is an energy rich region, supplying the state with power from oil, gas, and renewable sources like hydropower, biomass, wind, and solar. This vital sector of our economy is a job creator in our communities and a key player in reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign sources of energy.

For these reasons, I took the lead on this issue with a bipartisan group of legislators in the 112th Congress in introducing the Infrastructure Jobs and Energy Independence Act. Unlike the “cap and trade” bill which I opposed and voted against, this bill outlines a practical, responsible energy plan for America that would further develop domestic energy production of traditional oil and gas, provide a funding stream to clean up the environment and fully develop clean energy technologies.

In addition, our Valley’s energy economy has been bolstered through the Recovery Act. These funds have gone toward creating good-paying jobs, allowing Valley cities to develop and implement projects to improve energy efficiency and reduce fossil fuel emissions in our cities.

Fiscal Responsibility

Increasing our water supply and investing in Valley communities are critical to renewing our economy. However, long-term and sustainable growth also relies on getting our nation’s fiscal house in order.

Today, the national debt is approaching $20 trillion dollars, which is approximately $61,350 per U.S. citizen, and ensuring a robust 21st century U.S. economy will require Congress to get our fiscal house in order. As a co-chair of the Blue Dog Coalition, I will continue supporting fiscally sustainable policies that will grow our Valley and U.S. economy.

Just as no single reason led to the deep deficits now facing our country, there are no silver bullets or quick fixes to getting our country back on track. Putting our fiscal house in order will take hard work and tough decisions. This means reviewing and terminating unnecessary federal programs; ending expensive policies that encourage companies to ship American jobs overseas; and eliminating so much of the fraud, waste, and abuse draining our government’s resources.

As Americans, we must be honest about our long-term economic obligations and work together to get the job done. To learn more about some of the measures I have supported to help increase accountability and fiscal responsibility, you can visit the Blue Dog website here.

Serving Valley Veterans

Our Valley’s veterans hail from all backgrounds and represent what is great about our nation. The debt we owe to these selfless individuals and their families is immeasurable and we must always deliver on the promises made to those who stand up to protect our freedom and values.

Every day we have the responsibility to assist our service members and it is my personal mission to help our Valley’s veterans access the benefits they have earned and deserve. Since taking office, I have helped over 1,000 Valley veterans cut through red tape at the Veterans Administration (VA) or other federal agencies to access their health care, social security checks, and even medals. If you or a veteran you know is having difficulty with the VA or federal government, I encourage you to call my office in Fresno at (559) 495-1620.

Along with working with our veterans personally, I have fought to secure funding for programs and pass legislation that will benefit members of our armed services.

Fresno Veterans Home One of the greatest achievements for our veterans can be found right here in our Valley. After we fought to secure $92 million in funding and a location, I was able to join with local veterans and leaders to break ground on the first ever Veterans Home in Fresno County. In 2013, we opened the Fresno Veterans Home, which includes a 120-bed nursing home and a 180-bed domiciliary. Construction of the home created nearly 1000 jobs in the Fresno area.

Reducing the VA Backlog

Veterans in the Central Valley know all too well the severe backlogs that plague the Oakland and Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Regional Offices. When the VA announced that not one California benefits office would implement a pilot program to reduce the backlog, I urged the VA to reverse its decision and received a commitment from the VA for additional staff and training at the Oakland office. I also instructed the government watchdog agency to investigate the Los Angeles office and provide recommendations for how to reduce the backlog.

Legislation for Veterans

With over one million unemployed veterans in the United States today, it is imperative for us to find ways in which we can ease their transition to civilian life. One of the best ways to facilitate that transition is by helping them find gainful employment. That’s why I was proud to support the VOW to Hire Heroes Act. This law helps our veterans by expanding education and training programs; educating separating service members on how their military skills and training can be easily adapted in civilian life; allowing service members to begin the federal employment process prior to their separation; and providing a veterans tax credit to businesses that hire veterans.

The President also signed another bill that passed the House with my strong support, the Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011. In 2008, Congress passed the Post-9/11 GI Bill, landmark legislation that restored the promise of a four-year education for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. This law builds upon the success of the Post-9/11 GI Bill by increasing the amount of educational assistance available to student veterans attending private universities and colleges.

Because just one veteran falling asleep at night without a permanent roof over his or her head is one veteran too many, I fought to secure $1 million to help homeless and at-risk veteran families in the Valley find sustainable, stable housing. Ending homelessness among veterans and their families once and for all must be a national goal.

On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. Let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind.

National Security

One of my top duties in Congress is to keep our country safe. This means strengthening our national security, supporting our troops at home and abroad, and completing our missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

To increase our national security, I have supported legislation to give our men and women in uniform the resources they need to keep us safe while ensuring accountability and good stewardship of our taxpayer dollars. For instance, 2011’s National Defense Authorization provides our military with the additional tools they need to disrupt, dismantle, and eventually defeat al Qaeda and its extremist allies. These tools include counter-proliferation programs to keep weapons out of the hands of our enemies and intelligence and cyber security efforts to deter threats as soon as we learn about them. Al Qaeda and our enemies are constantly adapting, and I am committed to supporting our military and defense community in evolving to meet new threats.

Supporting our Troops

Over two million American service members have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001. These brave men and women put their lives on the line to keep us safe and it is critical to our national honor and security to support members of our military when they are in the field and when they return home. To learn more about my work for veterans and their families, click here.

Saving Fresno’s 144th Fighter Wing

The Air National Guard’s 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno is vital for our national security and our Valley’s economic security. The location of the 144th Fighter Wing on the West Coast helps our nation maintain air superiority in the Southwest region of the United States and around the world, and with more than 1000 guardsmen and women stationed at the wing, the 144th is a central part of our local economy.

That’s why I fought so hard to stop proposals by other states to end the 144th fighter wing and halt the transfer of new F-15s to the wing. On a bipartisan basis, I rallied more than half the California Congressional delegation in support of the wing, and we were successful. The new F-15s are on track and the 144th is safe from any proposed elimination.

Standing Up for Victims' Rights

Protecting victims of crime should be a top priority for legislatures at all levels of government. When I came to Washington in 2005, there was a void in leadership on issues related to crime victims. After speaking with some of my colleagues, I gathered several like-minded representatives together and co-founded the first Congressional Victims' Rights Caucus. This is a bipartisan caucus that seeks to represent crime victims in the United States through legislation that reflects their interests, rights and needs.

Furthermore, the Victims' Rights Caucus is designed to provide an ongoing dialogue between Congress and national victim assistance programs to enhance public education initiatives and communication. This way, our communities can better understand the impact of crime on victims and get involved in crime prevention and victim assistance.

Protecting the Crime Victim's Fund is a top priority of the Caucus. The Crime Victims’ Fund was started in 1984 to support crime victim assistance programs, helping over 3.8 million people each year. The fund also takes the burden off of victims for financial costs associated with crime, such as unreimbursed medical expenses, lost wages and funeral costs. Instead of being supported by taxpayer dollars, the fund is sustained through the collection of criminal fines and I want to ensure that it continues to be applied to the people it was meant to help. In each of the past years I have been in Congress, I led the effort to appropriate funds so that the Violence Against Women Act could be renewed, ensuring that national sexual assault and domestic violence programs have adequate funding to continue their efforts in our communities.

Victims of crime are our sons and daughters, husbands, brothers, wives and mothers struggling to survive in the aftermath of crime and they deserve our help. I pledge to continue my advocacy on behalf of victims as the co-chair of the Congressional Victims’ Rights Caucus, enacting compassionate policy and raising awareness of these crucial issues.

Immigration Resources

We are a nation of immigrants past and immigrants present. For more than 250 years, since the formation of the United States, immigrants have made our country what it is today.

Our immigration system is broken, and we must fix it. That’s why I support policies that would modernize our broken immigration system for the 21st Century by securing our borders, uniting families, and providing an earned pathway to citizenship.

My entire career in the House of Representatives has given me the opportunity to be a strong advocate for comprehensive immigration reform. I know first-hand the benefits that reforming our system will bring to the Valley. Continuing the status quo is not acceptable for the sake of our economy, the future of the San Joaquin Valley, and the 11 million people living in the shadows. We need reform now.^[14]

”

—Jim Costa's campaign website (2020)^[15]

2018

Campaign website

Costa's campaign website stated the following:

“

Valley Water

Led the charge to ensure that the 340,000 acre-feet of 2013 carryover water was able to be used for its intended purpose of irrigated agriculture during the 2014 drought.

Urged Governor Brown to declare a drought emergency in the state and to take actions to conserve the water available to the state for human use. On January 17, 2014, Governor Brown declared a statewide drought emergency, calling for actions to reduce the state’s water use, activating California’s Emergency Response plan and freeing up drought relief funding for many of the counties across the Valley. The actions and flexibility provided by state and federal agencies this year resulted in approximately 200,000 acre-feet of water being pumped that would have been lost under standard regulatory practices.

Brought President Obama and Governor Brown to the Valley, where the President announced that the federal government would be providing the following disaster assistance to California:

$100 million in livestock disaster assistance for California producers;

$15 million in targeted conservation assistance for the most extreme and exceptional drought areas;

$5 million in targeted Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program assistance to the most drought impacted areas of California to protect vulnerable soils;

$60 million to California food banks to help families that may be economically impacted by the drought;

600 summer meal sites to be established in California’s drought stricken areas;

$3 million in Emergency Water Assistance Grants for rural communities experiencing water shortages.

This assistance is in addition to the USDA announcement of $20 million in Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Funds for agricultural conservation in California and $15 million in Conservation Innovation Grants.

Authored legislation to create the Kern County Water Bank-America's largest water bank.

Obtained $18.7 million for Delta Mendota Canal-California Aqueduct Intertie, producing 35,000 acre-feet of water annually.

Brought over $25 million to local water districts for projects increasing water quality, supply and water crisis relief for families and farms, including the following: Westlands Water District, Byron Bethany Irrigation District, Del Puerto Water District, Firebaugh Canal Water District, Fresno Slough Water District, Central California Irrigation District, Semitropic Water Storage District, Grassland Water District, and San Luis Water District.

Instrumental in bringing over 200,000 acre-feet of transferred water to combat the 2009 crisis.

$2.5 million for Improved Water Supply Reliability Grants.

$1 million to Improve and Maintain Jones Pumping Plant Systems.

Helped bring increased water allocation to south of Delta agriculture in 2010, totaling up to 198,000 acre feet of water not previously available to farmers at contracted rates.

$1.5 million for Water Conservation and Delivery at Madera Water Bank. Increased Kaweah Reservoir's capacity by 48,000 acre feet, improving water storage and flood protection.

Agriculture

As a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, and 2014 Farm Bill Conference Committee secured more than $1 billion for specialty crops in the 2014 Farm Bill

Obtained more than half a billion dollars for plant pest and disease prevention for the eradication of European Grapevine Moth, Light Brown Apple Moth and other invasive species

Secured millions through the EQIP program to help Valley farmers improve efficiencies in conservation

Included language in the 2014 Farm Bill that would allow California the opportunity to enter the Federal Milk Marketing Order. Costa has long advocated giving producers the chance to petition the U.S. Agriculture Secretary for entrance into the Federal Order

Fought to end $6 billion in taxpayer subsidies for the corn ethanol industry

Improved Williamson Act & Inheritance Tax for farm families bringing millions in tax cuts

Supported free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama to help create new markets for California agricultural products

Housing Crisis

Fought federal regulators to bring mortgage relief to Valley homeowners

Helped hundreds of Valley residents avoid foreclosure

Fighting to pass his Responsible Homeowner Refinancing Act, which will help millions of homeowners refinance their mortgage and take advantage of today’s low interest rates

Secured millions to end homelessness in the Valley

Transportation

Led efforts to bring hundreds of millions for Highway 99 improvements

Secured $5 million to rehabilitate the Fresno Yosemite Int'l airport taxiway

Delivered millions for upgrades to highways 180, 198, and 41 and local transit

Saved the air traffic control tower at Castle Air Force Base

Secured $16 million in funding for downtown revitalization efforts at the Fulton Mall

Clean Air & Water

Created San Joaquin Valley Air District to clean our air

Forced SF Bay Area to stop sending air pollution to the Valley

Secured $30 million for zero emission power plants to clean our air

Directed $6 million for diesel retrofits on school buses and agricultural equipment

Brought $23 million to farmers to retire old, inefficient engines

Established San Joaquin River Conservancy

Provided millions for wildlife refuges

Law & Order

Stiffened the sentence for meth trafficking

Co-founded the first Congressional Victims' Rights caucus

Delivered funding to local law enforcement for gang and drug-bust programs

Delivered hundreds of thousands in funding to hire police officers in Atwater, Dos Palos, Gustine, and Madera

Secured $142 million for completion of the Mendota federal prison

Co-wrote three strikes law

Secured $3.1 million to fight internet crimes against children

Education

Authored class-size reduction in public schools

Funded $783,000 for Valley Colleges & Universities

$46.6 million expanding broadband Internet access in the Valley

Secured nearly $17.3 million for local Head Start programs

Initiated the California Water Institute at CSU, Fresno

Veterans

Delivered $92 Million for Fresno Veterans Home

Fighting to end the immoral VA benefit claims and appeals backlog

Secured funding to end the epidemic of homeless veterans

Supported restoring our soldiers' full, 4-year college GI Bill benefit

Provided $5.92 million to improve Fresno Veterans Hospital

Eliminated copayments for catastrophically disabled veterans

Implemented family-leave benefits for families of wounded warriors

Authored legislation honoring Hmong Veterans

Health Care

Expanded access to quality and affordable healthcare coverage for millions of Californians

Ended harmful insurance company practices like denying coverage for pre-existing conditions and dropping you from coverage if you get sick

Strengthened Medicare by closing the “donut hole,” providing free preventive care for seniors, and extending the solvency of the Medicare Trust Fund

Fought against efforts to end Medicare as we know it by turning it into a voucher program

Working with Republicans and Democrats to ensure the new health care law works for every Valley resident

Fighting to establish a UC Merced Medical School

Brought hundreds of thousands of dollars to train medical professionals here in the Valley

Brought $167 million for rural healthcare clinics

Helped start the Regional Burn and Trauma Centers^[14]

”

—Costa for Congress^[16]

Campaign advertisements

The following is an example of an ad from Costa's 2018 election campaign.

"Delivering" - Costa campaign ad, released September 15, 2018

Notable endorsements

See also: Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

This section displays endorsements this individual made in elections within Ballotpedia's coverage and endorsements scopes.

Notable endorsements by Jim Costa
Endorsee	Election	Stage	Outcome
Adam Schiff ^source (D)	U.S. Senate California (2024)	Primary	–
Joe Biden ^source (D)	President of the United States (2020)	Primary	Won General
Kamala D. Harris ^source (D)	President of the United States (2020)		Withdrew in Convention
Hillary Clinton ^source (D)	President of the United States (2016)	Primary	Lost General

Key votes

See also: Key votes

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.

Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021-2023

The 117th United States Congress began on January 3, 2021 and ended on January 3, 2023. At the start of the session, Democrats held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (222-213), and the U.S. Senate had a 50-50 makeup. Democrats assumed control of the Senate on January 20, 2021, when President Joe Biden (D) and Vice President Kamala Harris (D), who acted as a tie-breaking vote in the chamber, assumed office. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.

Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021-2023

Vote

Bill and description

Status

Yea

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) was a federal infrastructure bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on November 15, 2021. Among other provisions, the bill provided funding for new infrastructure projects and reauthorizations, Amtrak maintenance and development, bridge repair, replacement, and rehabilitation, clean drinking water, high-speed internet, and clean energy transmission and power infrastructure upgrades. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.^[17] Click here to read more.

Passed (228-206)

Yea

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on March 11, 2021, to provide economic relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key features of the bill included funding for a national vaccination program and response, funding to safely reopen schools, distribution of $1,400 per person in relief payments, and extended unemployment benefits. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.^[18] Click here to read more.

Passed (220-210)

Yea

Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 16, 2022, to address climate change, healthcare costs, and tax enforcement. Key features of the bill included a $369 billion investment to address energy security and climate change, an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, allowing Medicare to negotiate certain drug prices, a 15% corporate minimum tax, a 1% stock buyback fee, and enhanced Internal Revenue Service (IRS) enforcement, and an estimated $300 billion deficit reduction from 2022-2031. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.^[19] Click here to read more.

Passed (220-207)

Yea

Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act

The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (H.R. 3617) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to decriminalize marijuana, establish studies of legal marijuana sales, tax marijuana imports and production, and establish a process to expunge and review federal marijuana offenses. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.^[20]

Passed (220-204)

Yea

For the People Act of 2021

The For the People Act of 2021 (H.R. 1) was a federal election law and government ethics bill approved by the House of Representatives. The Congressional Research Service said the bill would "expand voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It [would also limit] removing voters from voter rolls. ... Further, the bill [would address] campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices." The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.^[21] Click here to read more.

Passed (220-210)

Yea

Assault Weapons Ban of 2022

The Assault Weapons Ban of 2022 (H.R. 1808) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives that sought to criminalize the knowing import, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of semiautomatic assault weapons (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding devices (LCAFD). The bill made exemptions for grandfathered SAWs and LCAFDs. It required a simple majority vote in the House.^[22]

Passed (217-213)

Yea

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (S. 1605) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 27, 2021, authorizing Department of Defense acitivities and programs for fiscal year 2022. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.^[23]

Passed (363-70)

Yea

James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023

The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (H.R. 7776) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 23, 2022, authorizing Department of Defense activities and programs for fiscal year 2023. The bill required a 2/3 majority in the House to suspend rules and pass the bill as amended.^[24]

Passed (350-80)

Yea

American Dream and Promise Act of 2021

The American Dream and Promise Act of 2021 (H.R. 6) was an immigration bill approved by the House of Representatives that proposed a path to permanent residence status for unauthorized immigrants eligible for Temporary Protected Status or Deferred Enforced Departure, among other immigration-related proposals. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.^[25]

Passed (228-197)

Yea

Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022

The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (S. 3373) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 10, 2022, that sought to address healthcare access, the presumption of service-connection, and research, resources, and other matters related to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during military service. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.^[26]

Passed (342-88)

Yea

Chips and Science Act

The Chips and Science Act (H.R. 4346) was a bill approved by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 9, 2022, which sought to fund domestic production of semiconductors and authorized various federal science agency programs and activities. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.^[27]

Passed (243-187)

Yea

Women’s Health Protection Act of 2021

The Women's Health Protection Act of 2021 (H.R. 3755) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives. The bill proposed prohibiting governmental restrictions on the provision of and access to abortion services and prohibiting governments from issuing some other abortion-related restrictions. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.^[28]

Passed (218-211)

Yea

SAFE Banking Act of 2021

The SAFE Banking Act of 2021 (H.R. 1996) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives that proposed prohibiting federal regulators from penalizing banks for providing services to legitimate cannabis-related businesses and defining proceeds from such transactions as not being proceeds from unlawful activity, among other related proposals. Since the House moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill in an expedited process, it required a two-thirds majority vote in the House.^[29]

Passed (321-101)

Yea

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (H.R. 2471) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on March 15, 2022, providing for the funding of federal agencies for the remainder of 2022, providing funding for activities related to Ukraine, and modifying or establishing various programs. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.^[30]

Passed (260-171)

Yea

Equality Act

The Equality Act (H.R. 5) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that proposed prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in areas including public accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, housing, credit, and the jury system, among other related proposals. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.^[31]

Passed (224-206)

Yea

Respect for Marriage Act

The Respect for Marriage Act (H.R. 8404) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 13, 2022. The bill codified the recognition of marriages between individuals of the same sex and of different races, ethnicities, or national origins, and provided that the law would not impact religious liberty or conscience protections, or provide grounds to compel nonprofit religious organizations to recognize same-sex marriages. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.^[32] Click here to read more.

Passed (258-169)

Yea

Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023

The Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023 (H.R. 6833) was a bill approved by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on September 30, 2022. It provided for some fiscal year 2023 appropriations, supplemental funds for Ukraine, and extended several other programs and authorities. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.^[33]

Passed (230-201)

Yea

Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act

The Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act (H.R. 7688) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to prohibit individuals from selling consumer fuels at excessive prices during a proclaimed energy emergency. It would have also required the Federal Trade Commission to investigate whether the price of gasoline was being manipulated. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.^[34]

Passed (217-207)

Yea

Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021

The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021 (H.R. 8) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to prohibit the transfer of firearms between private parties unless a licensed firearm vendor conducted a background check on the recipient. The bill also provided for certain exceptions to this requirement. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.^[35]

Passed (227-203)

Yea

Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act

The Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act was a federal elections bill approved by the House of Representatives and voted down by the Senate in a failed cloture vote that sought to, among other provisions, make Election Day a public holiday, allow for same-day voter registration, establish minimum early voting periods, and allow absentee voting for any reason, restrict the removal of local election administrators in federal elections, regulate congressional redistricting, expand campaign finance disclosure rules for some organizations, and amend the Voting Rights Act to require some states to obtain clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice before implementing new election laws. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.^[36] Click here to read more.

Passed (220-203)

Yea

Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (S. 2938) was a firearm regulation and mental health bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on June 25, 2022. Provisions of the bill included expanding background checks for individuals under the age of 21, providing funding for mental health services, preventing individuals who had been convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor or felony in dating relationships from purchasing firearms for five years, providing funding for state grants to implement crisis intervention order programs, and providing funding for community-based violence prevention initiatives. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.^[37] Click here to read more.

Passed (234-193)

Yea

Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.

This was a resolution before the 117th Congress setting forth an article of impeachment saying that Donald Trump (R) incited an insurrection against the government of the United States on January 6, 2021. The House of Representatives approved the article of impeachment, and the Senate adjudged that Trump was not guilty of the charges. The article of impeachment required a simple majority vote in the House.^[38] Click here to read more.

Passed (232-197)

Yea

Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022

The Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act was a bill passed by the 117th Congress in the form of an amendment to a year-end omnibus funding bill that was signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 23, 2022. The bill changed the procedure for counting electoral votes outlined in the Electoral Count Act of 1887. Elements of the bill included specifying that the vice president's role at the joint session of congress to count electoral votes is ministerial, raising the objection threshold at the joint session of congress to count electoral votes to one-fifth of the members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, identifying governors as the single official responsible for submitting the certificate of ascertainment identifying that state’s electors, and providing for expedited judicial review of certain claims about states' certificates identifying their electors. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.^[39] Click here to read more.

Passed (225-201)

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)

Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2020

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018

For detailed information about each vote, click here.

Votes on domestic policy (click to expand)

Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Conference report) (HR 2)

Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018

Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023.^[40]

Voted Nay on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2 (second vote))

Bill Passed (213-211) on June 21, 2018

Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance. It also proposed modifying the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as the food stamp program.^[41]

Voted Nay on: Securing America’s Future Act of 2018 (HR 4760)

Bill Failed (193-231) on June 21, 2018

Proposed funding a border wall, limiting legal immigration, a mandatory worker verification program, allowing DACA recipients to apply for legal status, and preventing separation of families at the border.^[42]

Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)

Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018

Reauthorizes through FY2023 and modifies some Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.^[43]

Voted Nay on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36)

Bill Passed (237-189) on October 3, 2017

Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill provided exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.^[44]

Voted Nay on: Kate's Law (HR 3004)

Bill Passed (257-167) on June 29, 2017

Proposed increasing criminal penalties for individuals in the country illegally who were convicted of certain crimes, deported, and then re-entered the U.S. illegally.^[45]

Voted Nay on: No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (HR 3003)

Bill Passed (228-195) on June 29, 2017

Proposed withholding federal funds from states and localities that chose not to follow federal immigration laws.^[46]

Voted Nay on: American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)

Bill passed (217-213) on May 4, 2017

Proposed modifying the budgetary and fiscal provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.^[47]

Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand)

Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 6157)

Bill Passed (361-61) on September 26, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.^[48]

Voted Yea on: Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 5895)

Bill Passed (377-20) on September 13, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.^[49]

Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 6157)

Bill Passed (359-49) on June 28, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.^[50]

Voted Yea on: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 5895)

Bill Passed (235-179) on June 8, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.^[51]

Voted Yea on: Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (S 2155)

Bill Passed (258-159) on May 22, 2018

Proposed exempting some banks from the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act^[52]

Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)

Bill Passed (256-167) on March 22, 2018

Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.^[53]

Voted Yea on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)

Bill Passed (240-186) on February 9, 2018

Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.^[54]

Voted Yea on: Further Extension Of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1892)

Bill Passed (245-182) on February 6, 2018

Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.^[55]

Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

Bill Passed (266-150) on January 22, 2018

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.^[56]

Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

Bill Passed (230-197) on January 18, 2018

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 16, 2018.^[57]

Voted Yea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)

Bill Passed (231-188) on December 21, 2017

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.^[58]

Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

Bill Passed (227-203) on December 19, 2017

Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.^[59]

Voted Nay on: Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (HJ Res 123)

Bill Passed (235-193) on December 7, 2017

Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017.^[60]

Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

Bill Passed (227-205) on November 16, 2017

Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses.^[61]

Voted Nay on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

Bill Passed (216-212) on October 26, 2017

Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. (This bill proposed adopting the Senate's budget resolution.)^[62]

Voted Nay on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

Bill Passed (219-206) on October 5, 2017

Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027.^[63]

Did not vote on: Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3354)

Bill Passed (211-198) on September 14, 2017

Proposed providing FY2018 appropriations for the federal government. It combined 12 appropriations bills.^[64]

Did not vote on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)

Bill Passed (316-90) on September 8, 2017

Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts.^[65]

Did not vote on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 601)

Bill Passed (419-3) on September 6, 2017

Proposed providing $7.85 billion for disaster relief requirements, including response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey.^[66]

Did not vote on: Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (HR 10)

Bill passed (233-186) on June 8, 2017

Proposed amending the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, among other acts.^[67]

Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)

Bill passed (309-118) on May 3, 2017

Proposed a $1.2 trillion budget to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017.^[68]

Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand)

Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (HR 5515)

Bill Passed (351-66) on May 24, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities^[69]

Voted Nay on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)

Bill Passed (250-166) on January 30, 2018

Proposed providing appropriations for military functions administered by the Department of Defense and for other purposes, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018.^[70]

Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018—Conference report (HR 2810)

Bill Passed (356-70) on November 14, 2017

Proposed authorizing FY2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths.^[71]

Voted Nay on: Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3219)

Bill Passed (235-192) on July 27, 2017

Proposed making appropriations for defense, military construction, Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, energy and water development, and for other purposes for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2018.^[72]

Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)

Bill Passed (419-3) on July 25, 2017

Proposed providing congressional review and measures to counter aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.^[73]

Did not vote on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180, second vote)

Bill Passed (380-35) on July 28, 2017

Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.^[74]

Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180)

Bill Failed (241-163) on July 24, 2017

Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.^[75]

Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)

Bill Passed (344-81) on July 14, 2017

Proposed authorizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It did not provide budget authority.^[76]

Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 1301)

Bill passed (371-48) on March 8, 2017

The $577.9 billion fiscal year 2017 defense spending bill proposed $516.1 billion in base budget funding and $61.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism funding.^[77]

114th Congress

The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[78]^[79] For more information pertaining to Costa's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.^[80]

Economic and fiscal

Trade Act of 2015

See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015

Trade adjustment assistance
On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302. Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged with trade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Costa was one of 40 Democrats to vote in favor of TAA.^[81]^[82]
Trade promotion authority
On June 12, 2015, the House passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill including trade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Costa was one of 28 Democrats to support the measure.^[83]^[84]
Trade promotion authority second vote
After the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass the House together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining his or her original position on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Costa was one of 28 Democrats to vote in favor of the amendment.^[85]^[86]
Trade adjustment assistance second vote
The House passed HR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Costa was one of 175 Democrats to vote in favor of HR 1295.^[87]^[88]

Defense spending authorization

On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Costa voted with 40 Democrats and 228 Republicans to approve the bill.^[89] The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.^[90]

On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison.^[91]^[92] Costa voted with 134 other Democrats and 235 Republicans to approve the bill.^[93] On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015.^[94]

2016 Budget proposal

On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, including Costa, voted against the resolution.^[95]^[96]^[97]

2015 budget

On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017.^[98] Costa voted with 186 Democrats and 79 Republicans in favor of the bill.^[99] It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015.^[100] President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015.

Foreign Affairs

Iran nuclear deal

See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015

On May 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Costa voted with 176 Democrats to approve the bill.^[101]^[102]

Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approving the nuclear agreement with Iran. Costa voted with 161 Democrats for the bill.^[103]^[104]

Suspension of Iran sanctions relief
On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Costa voted with 185 Democrats against the bill.^[105]^[106]

Presidential non-compliance of section 2
On September 10, 2015, the House passed H Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Costa voted with 185 Democrats against the resolution.^[107]^[108]

Export-Import Bank

On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods.^[109] Costa voted with 185 Democrats and 127 Republicans in favor of the bill.^[110]

Domestic

USA FREEDOM Act of 2015

On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 2048—the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015—by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revised HR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005—by ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Costa voted with 141 Democrats and 196 Republicans to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.^[111]^[112]

Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Costa voted with 179 Democrats against the bill.^[113]^[114]

Cyber security

On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies.^[115] Costa voted with 134 Democrats and 220 Republicans to approve the bill.^[116]

On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116.^[117] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Costa voted with 104 Democrats and 202 Republicans in favor of the bill.^[118]

Immigration

On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137.^[119] The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Costa voted with 46 Democrats and 242 Republicans in favor of the bill.^[120]

113th Congress

The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[121] For more information pertaining to Costa's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.^[122]

National security

HR 644

See also: Bowe Bergdahl exchange

On September 9, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 644, a resolution condemning President Barack Obama's act of exchanging five Guantanamo Bay prisoners for Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.^[123]^[124] The House voted 249-163 for resolution, with all Republicans and 22 Democrats supporting the bill. Fourteen Democrats and five Republicans did not vote on the resolution, while all other Democrats opposed its passage.^[124] Costa dissented from the majority of the Democratic party and voted in favor of the bill.^[123]^[124]

NDAA

Costa voted for HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.^[125]

DHS Appropriations

Costa voted against HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines.^[126]

CISPA (2013)

Costa voted for HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.^[127]

Economy

Farm bill

On January 29, 2014, the U.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, also known as the Farm Bill.^[128] The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill reformed and continued various programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop.^[129]^[130] However, cuts to the food stamp program cut an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states.^[130] Costa voted with 88 other Democratic representatives in favor of the bill.

2014 Budget

On January 15, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014.^[131]^[132] The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582 page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill.^[132] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.^[133] It included a 1 percent increase in the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel, a $1 billion increase in Head Start funding for early childhood education, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and the protection of the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Costa joined with the majority of the Democratic party and voted in favor of the bill.^[131]^[132]

Government shutdown

See also: United States budget debate, 2013

On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.^[134] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.^[135] Costa voted against the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.^[136]

The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.^[137] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Costa voted for HR 2775.^[138]

Federal Pay Adjustment Elimination

Costa voted for HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees. The bill passed the House on February 15, 2013, with a vote of 261 - 154. The bill called for stopping a 0.5 percent pay increase for all federal workers from taking effect. The raises were projected to cost $11 billion over 10 years. Costa was 1 of 44 Democrats who supported the bill, while 144 voted against it.^[139]

Immigration

Morton Memos Prohibition

Costa voted against House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status.^[140] The vote largely followed party lines.^[141]

Healthcare

Healthcare Reform Rules

Costa voted against House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.^[142]

Social issues

Abortion

Costa voted against HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill was to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.^[143]

Previous congressional sessions

Fiscal Cliff

Costa voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was one of 172 Democrats who voted in favor of the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.^[144]

Other votes

Rep. Costa voted for TARP.^[145] According to a Gallup poll from September 13, 2010, 61 percent of Americans disapproved of TARP, while 37 percent approved.^[146]

Costa also supported the stimulus bill.^[147] According to polls, 57% of U.S. voters believe that the stimulus has either hurt the economy (36%) or had no impact (21%), while 38% believe the stimulus helped the economy.^[148]

In addition, Rep. Costa voted for the "Cash for Clunkers" bill.^[149] According to a June 2009 Rasmussen Reports poll, 54 percent of likely U.S. voters opposed Cash for Clunkers, while 35 percent supported it.^[150]

Rep. Costa supported the health care reform bill.^[151] According to a poll, 57% of likely voters at least somewhat favor repeal of the health care reform bill, including 46% who strongly favor repeal. Additionally, 35% of likely voters oppose repeal. Finally, 51% of likely voters believe the health care reform bill will be bad for the country, while 36% believe it will be beneficial.^[152]

Campaign donors

Comprehensive donor history

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Jim Costa campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions
2024	U.S. House California District 21	On the Ballot primary	$596,031
2022	U.S. House California District 21	Won general	$2,034,865
2020	U.S. House California District 16	Won general	$2,146,775
2018	U.S. House California District 16	Won general	$1,856,798
2016	U.S. House, California District 16	Won general	$1,749,100
2014	U.S. House (California, District 16)	Won general	$1,524,075
2012	U.S. House California District 16	Won general	$1,483,125
2010	U.S. House California District 20	Won general	$1,795,156
2008	U.S. House California District 20	Won general	$1,026,588
2006	U.S. House California District 20	Won general	$885,524
2004	U.S. House California District 20	Won general	$1,913,507
Grand total raised			$17,011,544
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission * This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

2018

U.S. House California District 16 2018 election - Campaign Contributions
Top industry contributors to Jim Costa's campaign in 2018
Agriculture	$308,750.00
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate	$184,900.00
Energy & Natural Resources	$164,450.00
General Business	$146,988.32
Labor	$61,000.00
Total Raised in 2018	$0.00
Total Spent	$2,363,583.43
Source: Follow the Money

2020

U.S. House California District 16 2020 election - Campaign Contributions
Top individual contributors to Jim Costa's campaign in 2020
Chevron Corp	$10,000.00
National Cattlemen"s Beef Assn	$10,000.00
National Chicken Council	$10,000.00
International Franchise Assn	$10,000.00
Deere & Co	$10,000.00
Blue Diamond Growers	$10,000.00
National Rural Electric Cooperative Assn	$10,000.00
National Turkey Federation	$10,000.00
American Trucking Assns	$10,000.00
Operating Engineers Union	$10,000.00
Total Raised in 2020	$2,140,439.48
Total Spent	$1,846,494.42
Source: Follow the Money

2018

U.S. House California District 16 2018 election - Campaign Contributions
Top individual contributors to Jim Costa's campaign in 2018
KASHIAN, EDWARD M (ED)	$5,400.00
PACHULSKI, RICHARD M	$5,400.00
GUNNER, RICHARD V	$5,400.00
MCCAFFREY, ROBERT A	$5,400.00
FORHAN, BRYN	$5,400.00
Total Raised in 2018	$0.00
Total Spent	$2,363,583.43
Source: Follow the Money

2016

Costa won re-election to the U.S. House in 2016. During that election cycle, Costa's campaign committee raised a total of $1,749,100 and spent $1,729,122.^[153] This is more than the average $1.46 million spent by U.S. House winners in 2016.^[154]

Cost per vote

Costa spent $17.74 per general election vote received in 2016.

**U.S. House, California District 16, 2016 - Jim Costa Campaign Contributions**
Total Raised	$1,749,100
Total Spent	$1,729,122
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	$526,069
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	$527,570
Top contributors to Jim Costa's campaign committee
Votesane PAC	$52,000
Pachulski, Stang et al	$16,800
Granville Homes	$12,900
Fagundes Dairy	$12,800
New Democrat Coalition	$12,500
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Crop Production & Basic Processing	$180,900
Oil & Gas	$94,525
Agricultural Services/Products	$82,250
Real Estate	$59,500
Misc Issues	$55,500
Source: Open Secrets

2014

Costa won re-election to the U.S. House in 2014. During that election cycle, Costa's campaign committee raised a total of $1,524,075 and spent $1,116,677.^[155] This is less than the average $1.45 million spent by House winners in 2014.^[156]

Cost per vote

Costa spent $24.13 per general election vote received in 2014.

**U.S. House, California District 16, 2014 - Jim Costa Campaign Contributions**
Total Raised	$1,524,075
Total Spent	$1,116,677
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	$342,411
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	$342,204
Top contributors to Jim Costa's campaign committee
Pachulski, Stang et al	$24,450
Fagundes Dairy	$21,100
ML Street Properties	$20,800
American Crystal Sugar	$20,000
Granville Homes	$18,200
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Crop Production & Basic Processing	$228,950
Oil & Gas	$101,999
Dairy	$61,850
Agricultural Services/Products	$57,800
Real Estate	$56,495
Source: Open Secrets

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Costa's campaign funds before the 2014 election.

Below are Costa's FEC reports.^[157]

Jim Costa (2014) Campaign Finance Reports
Report	Date Filed	Beginning Balance	Total Contributions for Reporting Period	Expenditures	Cash on Hand
April Quarterly^[158]	April 12, 2013	$210,609.24	$30,260.00	$(68,053.32)	$172,815.92
July Quarterly^[159]	July 11, 2013	$172,815.92	$137,765.00	$(66,887.28)	$243,693.64
October Quarterly^[160]	October 10, 2013	$243,693.64	$73,364.23	$(46,228.54)	$270,829.33
Year-End^[161]	January 13, 2014	$270,829	$360,058	$(76,575)	$554,312
April Quarterly^[162]	April 12, 2014	$554,312	$145,540	$(57,313)	$642,539
Pre-Primary^[163]	May 23, 2014	$642,539	$48,750	$(63,666)	$627,622
July Quarterly^[164]	July 10, 2014	$627,622	$172,004	$(39,868)	$759,759
October Quarterly^[165]	October 15, 2014	$759,759	$328,600	$(127,336)	$961,022
			Running totals
			$1,296,341.23	$(545,927.14)

2012

Costa won re-election to the U.S. House in 2012. During that election cycle, Costa's campaign committee raised a total of $1,483,125 and spent $1,274,918.^[166] This is less than the average $1.5 million spent by House winners in 2012.^[167]

Cost per vote

Costa spent $15.06 per vote received in 2012.

U.S. House, California District 16, 2012 - Jim Costa Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$1,483,125
Total Spent	$1,274,918
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	$511,448
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	$499,863
Top contributors to Jim Costa's campaign committee
ML Street Properties	$19,800
Penstar Group	$15,000
PG&E Corp	$14,000
Plumbers/Pipefitters Union	$12,000
American Fedn of St/Cnty/Munic Employees	$11,640
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Crop Production & Basic Processing	$191,346
Oil & Gas	$79,750
Health Professionals	$56,450
Real Estate	$48,550
Dairy	$45,799

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Costa's campaign funds before the 2012 election.

2010

Costa won re-election to the U.S. House in 2010. During that election cycle, Costa's campaign committee raised a total of $1,795,156 and spent $2,076,986.^[168]

His top five contributors between 2009-2010 were:

U.S. House, California District 20, 2010 - Jim Costa Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$1,795,156
Total Spent	$2,076,986
Total Raised by General Election Opponent	$897,504
Total Spent by General Election Opponent	$891,826
Top contributors to Jim Costa's campaign committee
McCaffrey Group	$28,800
Pachulski, Stang et al	$21,100
ML Street Properties	$16,800
American Crystal Sugar	$15,000
American Fedn of St/Cnty/Munic Employees	$15,000
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Crop Production & Basic Processing	$145,812
Lawyers/Law Firms	$85,084
Oil & Gas	$69,650
Leadership PACs	$68,700
Candidate Committees	$68,240

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Costa's campaign funds before the 2010 election.

Personal Gain Index

See also: Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)

The Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of the U.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants.
It consists of two different metrics:

PGI: Change in net worth

See also: Changes in Net Worth of U.S. Senators and Representatives (Personal Gain Index) and Net worth of United States Senators and Representatives

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Costa's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $1,133,009 and $6,544,998. That averages to $3,839,003, which is lower than the average net worth of Democratic representatives in 2012 of $5,700,168.36. Costa ranked as the 92nd most wealthy representative in 2012.^[169] Between 2004 and 2012, Costa's calculated net worth^[170] increased by an average of 34 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.^[171]

Jim Costa Yearly Net Worth
Year	Average Net Worth
2004	$1,034,331
2012	$3,839,003
Growth from 2004 to 2012:	271%
Average annual growth:	34%^[172]
Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.^[173]

The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership, and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.

PGI: Donation Concentration Metric

See also: The Donation Concentration Metric (U.S. Congress Personal Gain Index)

Filings required by the Federal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated by OpenSecrets.org, Ballotpedia calculated the percentage of donations by industry received by each incumbent over the course of his or her career (or 1989 and later, if elected prior to 1988). Costa received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Crop Production & Basic Processing industry.

From 2003-2014, 28.03 percent of Costa's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.^[174]

Jim Costa Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$8,071,646
Total Spent	$7,186,881
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Crop Production & Basic Processing	$960,364
Lawyers/Law Firms	$374,318
Real Estate	$344,295
Dairy	$296,317
Oil & Gas	$287,199
% total in top industry	11.9%
% total in top two industries	16.54%
% total in top five industries	28.03%

Analysis

Ideology and leadership

See also: GovTrack's Political Spectrum & Legislative Leadership ranking

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Costa was a centrist Democrat as of July 2014. This was the same rating Costa received in June 2013.^[175]

Like-minded colleagues

The website OpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.^[176]

Costa most often votes with:

Costa least often votes with:

Lifetime voting record

See also: Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives

According to the website GovTrack, Costa missed 387 of 8,052 roll call votes from January 2005 to September 2015. This amounted to 4.8 percent, which was higher than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015.^[177]

Congressional staff salaries

See also: Staff salaries of United States Senators and Representatives

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Costa paid his congressional staff a total of $1,005,163 in 2011. He ranked 77th on the list of the lowest paid Democratidc representative staff salaries and ranked 156th overall of the highest paid representative staff salaries in 2011. Overall, California ranked 5th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.^[178]

National Journal vote ratings

See also: National Journal vote ratings

Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year. Click the link above for the full ratings of all members of Congress.

2013

Costa ranked 187th in the liberal rankings in 2013.^[179]

2012

Costa ranked 171st in the liberal rankings in 2012.^[180]

2011

Costa ranked 178th in the liberal rankings in 2011.^[181]

Voting with party

The website OpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.

2014

Costa voted with the Democratic Party 79.2 percent of the time, which ranked 189th among the 204 House Democratic members as of July 2014.^[182]

2013

Costa voted with the Democratic Party 81.2 percent of the time, which ranked 197th among the 201 House Democratic members as of June 2013.^[183]

Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Costa is single.

External links

Search Google News for this topic

Candidate

U.S. House California District 21

Website

Facebook

Officeholder

U.S. House California District 21

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by David G. Valadao (R)	U.S. House California District 21 2023-Present	Succeeded by -
Preceded by -	U.S. House California District 16 2013-2023	Succeeded by Anna Eshoo (D)
Preceded by -	U.S. House California District 20 2005-2013	Succeeded by -
Preceded by -	California State Senate 1994-2002	Succeeded by -
Preceded by -	California State Assembly 1978-1994	Succeeded by -

[show]

California's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Laphonza Butler (D)

Alex Padilla (D)

Representatives

District 1

Doug LaMalfa (R)

District 2

Jared Huffman (D)

District 3

Kevin Kiley (R)

District 4

Mike Thompson (D)

District 5

Tom McClintock (R)

District 6

Ami Bera (D)

District 7

Doris Matsui (D)

District 8

John Garamendi (D)

District 9

Josh Harder (D)

District 10

Mark DeSaulnier (D)

District 11

Nancy Pelosi (D)

District 12

Barbara Lee (D)

District 13

John Duarte (R)

District 14

Eric Swalwell (D)

District 15

Kevin Mullin (D)

District 16

Anna Eshoo (D)

District 17

Ro Khanna (D)

District 18

Zoe Lofgren (D)

District 19

Jimmy Panetta (D)

District 20

Vacant

District 21

Jim Costa (D)

District 22

David Valadao (R)

District 23

Jay Obernolte (R)

District 24

Salud Carbajal (D)

District 25

Raul Ruiz (D)

District 26

Julia Brownley (D)

District 27

Mike Garcia (R)

District 28

Judy Chu (D)

District 29

Tony Cárdenas (D)

District 30

Adam Schiff (D)

District 31

Grace Napolitano (D)

District 32

Brad Sherman (D)

District 33

Pete Aguilar (D)

District 34

Jimmy Gomez (D)

District 35

Norma Torres (D)

District 36

Ted Lieu (D)

District 37

Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D)

District 38

Linda Sánchez (D)

District 39

Mark Takano (D)

District 40

Young Kim (R)

District 41

Ken Calvert (R)

District 42

Robert Garcia (D)

District 43

Maxine Waters (D)

District 44

Nanette Barragán (D)

District 45

Michelle Steel (R)

District 46

Lou Correa (D)

District 47

Katie Porter (D)

District 48

Darrell Issa (R)

District 49

Mike Levin (D)

District 50

Scott Peters (D)

District 51

Sara Jacobs (D)

District 52

Juan Vargas (D)

Democratic Party (42)

Republican Party (11)

Vacancies (1)

[bio-1] Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, "Costa, Jim," accessed December 2, 2022

[bio2-2] Congressman Jim Costa, "Biography," accessed December 2, 2022

[bio3-3] Jim Costa For Congress, "About Jim," accessed December 2, 2022

[4] U.S. House Clerk, "Official Alphabetical List of the House of Representatives of the United States One Hundred Fifteenth Congress," accessed February 2, 2017

[5] U.S. House of Representatives, Office of the Clerk, "Committee Information," accessed February 18, 2015

[6] CQ.com, "House Committee Rosters for the 113th Congress," accessed March 3, 2013

[7] Jim Costa, Representing the 20th District of California, "Committees," accessed August 1, 2011

[list-8] California Secretary of State, "Certified List of Candidates for Voter-Nominated Offices June 7, 2016, Presidential Primary Election," accessed April 4, 2016

[primary16-9] The New York Times, "California Primary Results," June 7, 2016

[10] U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013

[11] U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 2008," accessed March 28, 2013

[12] U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2006," accessed March 28, 2013

[13] U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2004," accessed March 28, 2013

[quotedisclaimer-14] 14.0 ^14.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

[15] Jim Costa 2020 campaign website, “Issues & Legislation,” accessed February 12, 2020

[16] Jim Costa for Congress', "Results," accessed September 16, 2018

[17] Congress.gov, "H.R.3684 - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act," accessed April 15, 2022

[18] Congress.gov, "H.R.1319 - American Rescue Plan Act of 2021," accessed April 15, 2022

[19] Congress.gov, "H.R.5376 - Inflation Reduction Act of 2022," accessed January 20, 2023

[20] Congress.gov, "H.R.3617 - Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act," accessed January 20, 2023

[21] Congress.gov, "H.R.1 - For the People Act of 2021," accessed April 15, 2022

[22] Congress.gov, "H.R.1808 - Assault Weapons Ban of 2022," accessed January 20, 2023

[23] Congress.gov, "S.1605 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022," accessed April 15, 2022

[24] Congress.gov, "H.R.7776 - James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023," accessed January 20, 2023

[25] Congress.gov, "H.R.6 - American Dream and Promise Act of 2021," accessed April 15, 2022

[26] Congress.gov, "S.3373 - Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022," accessed January 20, 2023

[27] Congress.gov, "H.R.4346 - Chips and Science Act," accessed January 20, 2023

[28] Congress.gov, "H.R.3755 - Women's Health Protection Act of 2021," accessed April 15, 2022

[29] Congress.gov, "H.R.1996 - SAFE Banking Act of 2021," accessed April 15, 2022

[30] Congress.gov, "H.R.2471 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022," accessed January 20, 2023

[31] Congress.gov, "H.R.5 - Equality Act," accessed April 15, 2022

[32] Congress.gov, "H.R.8404 - Respect for Marriage Act," accessed January 20, 2023

[33] Congress.gov, "H.R.6833 - Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023," accessed January 20, 2023

[34] Congress.gov, "H.R.7688 - Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act," accessed January 20, 2023

[35] Congress.gov, "H.R.8 - Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021," accessed January 20, 2023

[36] Congress.gov, "H.R.5746 - Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act," accessed January 20, 2023

[37] Congress.gov, "S.2938 - Bipartisan Safer Communities Act," accessed January 20, 2023

[38] Congress.gov, "H.Res.24 - Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.," accessed April 15, 2022

[39] Congress.gov, "H.R.2617 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023," accessed January 20, 2023

[40] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 434," accessed December 13, 2018

[41] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 284," June 21, 2018

[42] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 282," June 21, 2018

[43] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 434," accessed March 12, 2019

[44] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 549," October 3, 2017

[45] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 344," June 29, 2017

[46] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 342," June 29, 2017

[47] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 256," May 4, 2017

[48] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 405," September 26, 2018

[49] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 399," September 13, 2018

[50] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 313," June 28, 2018

[51] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 257," June 8, 2018

[52] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 216," May 22, 2018

[53] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 127," March 22, 2018

[54] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 69," February 9, 2018

[55] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 60," February 6, 2018

[56] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 44," January 22, 2018

[57] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 33," January 18, 2018

[58] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 708," December 21, 2017

[59] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 692," December 19, 2017

[60] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 670," December 7, 2017

[61] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 637," November 16, 2017

[62] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 589," October 26, 2017

[63] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 557," October 5, 2017

[64] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 528," September 14, 2017

[65] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 480," September 8, 2017

[66] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 441," September 6, 2017

[67] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 299," June 8, 2017

[68] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 249," May 3, 2017

[69] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 230," May 24, 2018

[70] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 49," January 30, 2018

[71] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 631," November 14, 2017

[72] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 435," July 27, 2017

[73] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 413," July 25, 2017

[74] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 437," July 28, 2017

[75] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 407," July 24, 2017

[76] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 378," July 14, 2017

[77] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 136," March 8, 2017

[78] Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the 113th Congress," accessed April 29, 2015

[79] Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 114th Congress," accessed January 5, 2017

[80] Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress," April 13, 2015

[81] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 361," June 12, 2015

[82] Roll Call, "Deadline for TAA Do-Over Vote Extended to July 30 (Updated)," June 15, 2015

[83] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 362," June 12, 2015

[84] Roll Call, "Deadline for TAA Do-Over Vote Extended to July 30 (Updated)," June 15, 2015

[85] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 374," June 18, 2015

[86] Politico, "Trade turnaround: House backs new power for Obama," June 18, 2015

[87] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 388," June 24, 2015

[88] The Hill, "Obama signs trade bills," June 29, 2015

[89] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 239," accessed May 27, 2015

[90] Congress.gov, "H.R. 1735," accessed May 27, 2015

[91] The Hill, "Redone defense policy bill sails through House," accessed November 12, 2015

[92] Congress.gov, "S. 1356," accessed November 12, 2015

[93] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 618," accessed November 12, 2015

[94] Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S. 1356)," accessed November 12, 2015

[95] Congress.gov, "S.Con.Res.11," accessed May 5, 2015

[96] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 183," accessed May 5, 2015

[97] The Hill, "Republicans pass a budget, flexing power of majority," accessed May 5, 2015

[98] Congress.gov, "HR 1314 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015," accessed November 1, 2015

[99] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 579," accessed November 1, 2015

[100] Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1314)," accessed November 1, 2015

[101] Congress.gov, "H.R.1191 - Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015," accessed May 16, 2015

[102] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 226," accessed May 16, 2015

[103] Congress.gov, "HR 3461," accessed September 11, 2015

[104] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 493," accessed September 11, 2015

[105] Congress.gov, "HR 3460," accessed September 10, 2015

[106] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 494," accessed September 11, 2015

[107] Congress.gov, "H Res 411," accessed September 10, 2015

[rc492-108] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 492," accessed September 10, 2015

[109] Congress.gov, "HR 597," accessed November 2, 2015

[110] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 576," accessed November 2, 2015

[111] Congress.gov, "H.R.2048," accessed May 26, 2015

[112] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 224," accessed May 26, 2015

[113] Congress.gov, "HR 36 - the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act," accessed May 16, 2015

[114] Clerk.House.gov, "HR 36," accessed May 16, 2015

[115] Congress.gov, "HR 1731," accessed November 2, 2015

[116] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 173," accessed November 2, 2015

[117] Congress.gov, "HR 1560 - Protecting Cyber Networks Act," accessed November 1, 2015

[118] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 170," accessed November 1, 2015

[119] Congress.gov, "HR 4038 - the American SAFE Act of 2015," accessed November 20, 2015

[120] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 643," accessed November 20, 2015

[121] Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the 112th Congress," accessed September 5, 2013

[122] Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 113th Congress," accessed March 4, 2014

[resolutionvote-123] 123.0 ^123.1 The Hill, "House votes to condemn administration over Taliban prisoner swap," September 9, 2014

[bergdahlvote-124] 124.0 ^124.1 ^124.2 U.S. House, "Roll Call Vote 485," accessed September 10, 2014

[125] Project Vote Smart, "HR 1960 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013

[126] Project Vote Smart, "HR 2217 - DHS Appropriations Act of 2014 - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013

[127] Project Vote Smart, "HR 624 - CISPA (2013) - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013

[128] Clerk of U.S. House, "Roll Call Vote 31: H.R. 2642," accessed February 12, 2014

[129] Politico, "House clears farm bill," accessed February 12, 2014

[farm-130] 130.0 ^130.1 NY Times, "Senate Passes Long-Stalled Farm Bill, With Clear Winners and Losers," accessed February 12, 2014

[cnnhousevote-131] 131.0 ^131.1 CNN.com, "House passes compromise $1.1 trillion budget for 2014," accessed January 20, 2014

[vote-132] 132.0 ^132.1 ^132.2 U.S. House, "Roll Call Vote 21," accessed January 20, 2014

[133] Roll Call, "Omnibus Sails Through the Senate," January 16, 2014

[134] Clerk of the U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013

[135] Buzzfeed, "Government Shutdown: How We Got Here," accessed October 1, 2013

[136] Clerk of the U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013

[137] The Washington Post, "Reid, McConnell propose bipartisan Senate bill to end shutdown, extend borrowing," accessed October 16, 2013

[138] U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 550," accessed October 31, 2013

[139] Project Vote Smart, "HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013

[140] The Library of Congress, "H.AMDT.136," accessed September 16, 2013

[141] Project Vote Smart, "H Amdt 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013

[142] Project Vote Smart, "H Amdt 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013

[143] Project Vote Smart, "HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013

[144] U.S. House, "Roll Call Vote on the Fiscal Cliff," accessed January 4, 2013

[145] U.S. House Clerk, "Roll Call 681," October 3, 2008

[146] Gallup, "Among Recent Bills, Financial Reform a Lone Plus for Congress," September 13, 2010

[147] US House Clerk, "Roll Call 46," January 28, 2009

[148] Rasmussen, "38% Say Stimulus Plan Helped Economy, 36% Say It Hurt," August 24, 2010

[149] US House Clerk, "Roll Call 314," June 9, 2009

[150] Rasmussen, "54% Oppose “Cash for Clunkers” Plan To Spur Purchase of Greener Cars," June 23, 2009

[151] US House Clerk, "Roll Call 165," March 21, 2010

[152] Rasmussen, "61% Favor Repeal of Healthcare Law," September 20, 2010

[153] Open Secrets, "Career Fundraising for Jim Costa," accessed May 9, 2017

[154] Open Secrets, "Winning vs. Spending," accessed March 22, 2016

[155] Open Secrets, "Jim Costa 2014 Election Cycle," accessed February 24, 2015

[156] Open Secrets, "Winning vs. Spending," accessed February 23, 2015

[157] Federal Election Commission, "Jim Costa Summary Report," accessed July 23, 2013

[158] Federal Election Commission, "Jim Costa April Quarterly," accessed July 23, 2013

[159] Federal Election Commission, "Jim Costa July Quarterly," accessed July 23, 2013

[160] Federal Election Commission, "Jim Costa October Quarterly," accessed October 21, 2013

[161] Federal Election Commission, "Jim Costa Year-End," accessed February 4, 2014

[162] Federal Election Commission, "Jim Costa April Quarterly," accessed April 21, 2014

[163] Federal Election Commission, "Jim Costa Pre-Primary," accessed June 2, 2014

[164] Federal Election Commission, "Jim Costa July Quarterly," accessed July 23, 2014

[165] Federal Election Commission, "Jim Costa October Quarterly," accessed October 20, 2014

[166] Open Secrets, "Jim Costa 2012 Election Cycle," accessed February 20, 2013

[167] Open Secrets, "Election 2012: The Big Picture Shows Record Cost of Winning a Seat in Congress," accessed June 19, 2013

[168] Open Secrets, "Jim Costa 2010 Election Cycle," accessed November 6, 2011

[169] OpenSecrets, "Jim Costa (D-Calif), 2012," accessed February 18, 2014

[170] This figure represents the total percentage growth from either 2004 (if the member entered office in 2004 or earlier) or the member's first year in office (as noted in the chart below).

[171] This number was found by dividing each member's total net worth growth percentage by the number of years included in the calculation.

[172] This figure represents the total percentage growth divided by the number of years for which there are net worth figures for each member.

[173] This figure was calculated using median asset data from the Census Bureau. Please see the Congressional Net Worth data for Ballotpedia spreadsheet for more information on this calculation.

[174] OpenSecrets.org, "Rep. Jim Costa," accessed September 22, 2014

[175] GovTrack, "Jim Costa," accessed July 21, 2014

[176] OpenCongress, "Jim Costa," archived February 28, 2016

[177] GovTrack, "Rep. Jim Costa (D)," accessed September 23, 2015

[178] LegiStorm, "Jim Costa," accessed August 21, 2012

[179] National Journal, "2013 Congressional Vote Ratings," accessed July 18, 2014

[180] National Journal, "2012 Congressional Vote Ratings," February 21, 2013

[181] National Journal, "Searchable Vote Ratings Tables: House," accessed February 23, 2012

[182] OpenCongress, "Voting With Party," accessed July 2014

[183] OpenCongress, "Voting With Party," accessed July 2014

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