Jim Costa is the Democratic incumbent for California's 21st District, a Fresno-area almond farmer who has served in the U.S. House since 2005. Before Congress he spent 24 years in the California Legislature. He is the ranking member of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.[1][2][4][3]
Costa was born on April 13, 1952, in Fresno to a family of Portuguese descent: his grandparents came from the Azores and established a family dairy in Fresno's Kearney Park. He worked on the dairy while growing up and now farms almonds in the San Joaquin Valley.[1][4][3]He graduated from San Joaquin Memorial High School in 1970 and earned a bachelor's degree in political science from California State University, Fresno, in 1974. As a student he interned for Rep. B.F. Sisk. After graduating he worked as an aide to Rep. John Krebs and as chief of staff to Assemblyman Richard Lehman.[1][4][3]
Costa was elected to the California State Assembly in 1978 at age 26, the youngest member of the Legislature at the time. He served in the Assembly until 1994 and in the State Senate from 1994 to 2002, where he chaired the Senate Agriculture Committee. He sponsored the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act in 1995 and served as president of the National Conference of State Legislatures in 2000-2001.[1][4][3]His official biography credits him with establishing the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservancy and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, and with securing highway funding, including for a stretch of State Route 180 named the Senator Jim Costa Highway.[3]
Costa won an open congressional seat in 2004 after Rep. Cal Dooley retired, defeating Republican state Sen. Roy Ashburn, 53.4 percent to 46.6 percent, and took office in January 2005. He has represented the 20th District (2005-2013), the 16th (2013-2023) and the 21st (2023-present). He sits on the House Agriculture Committee, where he is ranking member of the Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Subcommittee, and on the Foreign Affairs Committee's Europe Subcommittee.[1][2][4][3]He co-founded the Congressional Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus and is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, the New Democrat Coalition, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Problem Solvers Caucus. His official biography also lists work on water infrastructure projects such as the Friant-Kern Canal and Sites Reservoir and on California high-speed rail.[2][4][3]
Their recorded votes on bills that divided the chamber (unanimous votes left out), grouped by topic. A bill can sit under more than one topic. "With" and "against" compare each vote with how most Democrats voted. How topics are assigned
›Jobs & cost of living127 with · 12 against139 votes
Secure America Act This act provides $70 billion in funding to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through FY2029 for immigration enforcement, border security, and related activities.
This concurrent resolution establishes the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2025, sets forth budgetary levels for FY2026-FY2034, and provides reconciliation instructions for legislation that increases or decreases the deficit and increases the statutory debt limit by specified amounts.
Feb 25, 2025 · Passed 217–215 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
This concurrent resolution establishes the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2026, sets forth budgetary levels for FY2027-FY2035, and provides reconciliation instructions for legislation that increases the deficit.
Apr 29, 2026 · Passed 215–211 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
This concurrent resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from Venezuela unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted.
Jan 22, 2026 · Failed 215–215 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
This concurrent resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or a congressional authorization for use of military force against Iran.
Apr 16, 2026 · Failed 213–214 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 This bill sets forth policies and authorities for FY2027 for Department of Defense (DOD) programs, activities, and military construction as well as the national security programs of the Department of Energy (DOE).
Jul 21, 2026 · Failed 214–216 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
This joint resolution nullifies the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on November 20, 2024, which amended the 2015 resource management plan (RMP) for the Buffalo Field Office in Wyoming to make no federal coal available for future leasing.
Nov 18, 2025 · Passed 214–212 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
This joint resolution removes the requirements for sources of persistent and bioaccumulative hazardous air pollutants to comply with certain major source emissions standards when those sources reclassify as area sources (which have less stringent standards).
May 22, 2025 · Passed 216–212 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Secure America Act This act provides $70 billion in funding to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through FY2029 for immigration enforcement, border security, and related activities.
Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or the SAVE America Act This bill requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote, and requires photo identification to vote, in federal elections.
Feb 11, 2026 · Failed 214–217 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
District of Columbia Judicial Nominations Reform Act This bill terminates the District of Columbia (DC) Judicial Nomination Commission. Currently, the commission recommends to the President nominees for judges for DC's Superior Court and Court of Appeals, who must then be confirmed by the Senate.
Sep 17, 2025 · Passed 218–211 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Pregnant Students' Rights Act This bill requires each institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student aid programs to provide certain information to prospective and enrolled students on the rights and resources for pregnant students to carry a baby to term or students who may become pregnant while enrolled at the IHE to carry a baby to term.
Jan 22, 2026 · Passed 217–211 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025 This bill generally prohibits school athletic programs from allowing individuals whose biological sex at birth was male to participate in programs that are for women or girls.
Jan 14, 2025 · Passed 218–206 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
No Funds for Repeat Child Care Violations Act of 2026 This bill subjects states to additional sanctions for improperly using funds under the Child Care and Development Block Grant program.
SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 This act reauthorizes and revises programs and activities relating to addressing substance use disorders, overdoses, and mental health.
This act reduces taxes, reduces or increases spending for various federal programs, increases the statutory debt limit, and otherwise addresses agencies and programs throughout the federal government.
May 22, 2025 · Passed 215–214 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Allows employer groups to form association health plans, changes treatment of stop-loss insurance and health reimbursement arrangements, adds oversight of pharmacy benefit managers, and funds cost-sharing reduction payments from 2027.
Dec 17, 2025 · Passed 216–211 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act This bill prohibits a Federal Reserve bank from offering products or services directly to an individual, maintaining an account on behalf of an individual, or issuing a central bank digital currency (i.
Jul 17, 2025 · Passed 219–210 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025 This bill prohibits the Department of Commerce from enforcing certain permit requirements for activities related to undersea fiber optic cables in national marine sanctuaries.
Feb 11, 2026 · Passed 218–212 · against most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
This resolution provides for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 8035) to amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 through October 20, 2027, and for other purposes.
Apr 17, 2026 · Failed 200–220 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
This joint resolution revokes the authorization granted to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to amend its Ocean-Going Vessels At-Berth Regulation.
Sep 15, 2026 · Passed 216–211 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
This joint resolution revokes the partial authorization granted to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to amend its Commercial Harbor Craft regulation.
Sep 16, 2026 · Passed 214–208 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
This joint resolution allows off-road vehicles to be used in certain areas of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which is in northern Arizona and southeastern Utah and contains Lake Powell.
Apr 29, 2025 · Passed 219–205 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards Act or the Affordable HOMES Act This bill rescinds Department of Energy (DOE) energy efficiency regulations applicable to manufactured housing and eliminates DOE’s authority to issue similar regulations.
Jan 9, 2026 · Passed 263–147 · against most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act of 2025 This act sets forth requirements for the processing of a proposed residential leasehold mortgage, business leasehold mortgage, land mortgage, or right-of-way document by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
Housing for the 21st Century Act This bill revises federal housing programs, including by expanding available financing for affordable housing and providing grants for planning and community development activities.
Voted against most of their party on 63 of 458 party-divided votes on file.
Most often on: Climate & energy (28), Jobs & cost of living (12), Rights & public safety (11)
An Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow early childhood educators to take the educator expense deduction, and for other purposes
A yes vote agreed to the Senate's amendments to H.R. 5334, which add Russia sanctions, higher duties and an Iran Sanctions Act extension to the early-childhood educator deduction, sending the bill to the president. (AI-written)
What it does: Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 This bill imposes a variety of sanctions, tariffs, and prohibitions related to Russia, extends an Iran-related sanctions law, and expands a tax deduction for t…
Voted yes · most Democrats voted no · Democrats 58–152, Republicans 203–7
What it does: Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026 This bill prohibits institutions of higher education (IHEs) that participate in federal student aid programs from engaging in boycotts against Israel.
Voted yes · most Democrats voted no · Democrats 33–167, Republicans 203–2
What it does: Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025 This bill provides statutory authority for federal agencies to expedite the environmental review of certain mining infrastructure projects.
Voted yes · most Democrats voted no · Democrats 7–201, Republicans 210–0
To amend the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 to extend the time period for which certain regulations concerning the North Atlantic right whale are effective
What it does: Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026 This bill extends the deadline from 2028 to 2035 for the National Marine Fisheries Service to issue new regulations that protect the endangered Atlantic large whale from cer…
Voted yes · most Democrats voted no · Democrats 10–193, Republicans 209–2
Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act
What it does: Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act This bill reauthorizes through 2031 the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) authority to carry out demonstration projects within the Social Security Disability…
Voted yes · most Democrats voted no · Democrats 19–188, Republicans 212–0
Substantive votes concern legislation or nominations; procedural votes concern how the chamber considers them. A Yes vote applies to the motion shown, which may not be final passage.
S. 2403 · U.S. HOUSE
Retire through Ownership Act
YesVOTED
Motion: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
A yes vote suspended the House rules and passed S. 2403, the Retire through Ownership Act, under a fast-track procedure that requires a two-thirds majority. (AI-written)
Retire through Ownership Act This bill allows the fiduciary of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) to rely on a valuation provided by an independent valuation expert or business appraiser in determining the fair market value of the plan's securities if the securities are not traded on a national securities exchange (i.
Motion: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended
A yes vote suspended the House rules and passed H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act, as amended, under a fast-track procedure that requires a two-thirds majority. (AI-written)
Water Resources Development Act of 2026 This bill authorizes and modifies certain water resource infrastructure projects and programs of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and makes related requirements.
Motion: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended
A yes vote suspended the House rules and passed H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, as amended, under a fast-track procedure that requires a two-thirds majority. (AI-written)
Ratepayer Protection Act The bill requires state utility regulators and nonregulated utilities to consider implementing a standard to hold certain large-load customers responsible for the costs associated with any generation, transmission, or distribution upgrade of electric service necessary to serve such customers.
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to the “California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; Commercial Harbor Craft Regulations; Notice of Decision”
NoVOTED
Motion: On Passage
This joint resolution revokes the partial authorization granted to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to amend its Commercial Harbor Craft regulation.
Preventing Rip-offs and Obtaining Oversight of Funds Act or the PROOF Act This bill requires states to provide such information as the Department of Justice (DOJ) may require for the purpose of investigating or prosecuting alleged fraud committed with regard to certain federally funded programs.
National Fraud Enforcement Division Act of 2026 This bill provides statutory authority for the National Fraud Enforcement Division within the Department of Justice (DOJ). The division investigates and prosecutes fraud against taxpayer dollars and taxpayer-funded programs.
An Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow early childhood educators to take the educator expense deduction, and for other purposes
YesVOTED
Motion: On Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendments
A yes vote agreed to the Senate's amendments to H.R. 5334, which add Russia sanctions, higher duties and an Iran Sanctions Act extension to the early-childhood educator deduction, sending the bill to the president. (AI-written)
Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 This bill imposes a variety of sanctions, tariffs, and prohibitions related to Russia, extends an Iran-related sanctions law, and expands a tax deduction for teacher expenses to include early childhood educators.
Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran
YesVOTED
Motion: On Agreeing to the Resolution
This concurrent resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or a congressional authorization for use of military force against Iran.
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; Ocean-Going Vessels At-Berth; Notice of Decision”
NoVOTED
Motion: On Passage
This joint resolution revokes the authorization granted to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to amend its Ocean-Going Vessels At-Berth Regulation.
Motion: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended
A yes vote suspended the House rules and passed H.R. 9500, the Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act, as amended, under a fast-track procedure that requires a two-thirds majority. (AI-written)
Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act This bill expands the federal tax deduction for personal casualty and theft losses by eliminating certain limits, including the requirement that such losses arise from certain disasters.
