Jim Costa

Supporting the designation of April 19 through April 25, 2026, as "National Crime Victims' Rights Week".

in committee

Rural Development Modernization Act

in committee

RIDE FAST Act

in committee

“Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of John ``Phil'' Larson, a devoted father, friend, and public servant, who passed away on April 23, 2026, at the age of 92. Phil was born on September 5, 1933, in San Fransico, California, alongside his twin brother, Don Larson. He was raised on his family's farm near Kerman, California, where he developed his deep faith, humility, and tireless work ethic that would guide him throughout his life. After graduating from Kerman High School in 1951, he went on to further his education at Fresno State and Point Loma University. In 1953, Phil answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He served honorably until 1956, including two winters in Korea, and completed his reserve service in 1961. His time in uniform reflected his lifelong commitment to service and sacrifice. Phil met his wife, Joyce Henriksen, through Fresno First Covenant Church. They were married on March 21, 1959, at Kingsburg Mission Covenant Church, beginning a 67-year marriage grounded in faith, partnership, and devotion. Together, they raised two children, Tim and Lisa, and built a life centered on family and community. Phil dedicated much of his career to agriculture, beginning on his family's farm near Kerman before joining Wilbur-Ellis company in 1963. Spending over 38 years with the company, he built a reputation for integrity, expertise, and lasting relationships, retiring in 2000. Beyond his professional work, Phil's leadership in agriculture was widely recognized through his service on the Fresno County Farm Bureau Executive Board, including two years as president, where he advocated on critical water issues affecting California's Central Valley. In 2002, Phil was elected to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, representing District One. As a steady and principled leader, he expanded services in underserved communities, improved libraries, supported educational partnerships, and contributed to infrastructure projects like Veterans Boulevard. Even after he left the board in 2015, he remained committed to enhancing life across western Fresno County. As a proud alumnus, Phil received the President's Medal of Distinction from California State University, Fresno, in 2014, for his lifetime of service. Above all, Phil was a man of strong faith and unwavering dedication to his family. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; children, Tim and Lisa; grandchildren, Tanner, Haylee, and Lindsey; and five great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Olive, and his brothers, Galen and Don. [[Page E438]] Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of John ``Phil'' Larson. His legacy of faith, service, dedication to agriculture and commitment to family and community will undoubtedly continue to inspire all who knew him. ____________________”

2026-05-13 · Government Reform

“Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of Max Rodriguez, a devoted public servant, community leader, and lifelong resident of Madera, California, who passed away on April 24, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on November 3, 1939, to Josephine and Maximo Rodriguez, Max was raised on Madera's east side, where he developed a lifelong commitment to service, hard work, and community. After graduating from Madera High School in 1958, he continued his education at Fresno City College and went on to proudly serve in the California Army National Guard. Max's professional life reflected his values of dedication and leadership. He began as a farmworker before spending 25 years at the American Forest Products, also known as North Fork Sawmill, where he became the Financial Secretary and President of Lumber and Sawmill Workers Union Local 2762. Following the closure of the sawmill in 1985, he pursued a career as a Farmers Insurance agent, serving the Madera community until his retirement in 2008. Max Rodriguez's public service was equally distinguished. First elected to the Madera County Board of Supervisors in 2004, he proudly represented District 4 for four consecutive terms, dedicating 16 years to improving the quality of life for the county's residents. During his tenure, he championed safe neighborhoods, quality schools, economic development. and public safety initiatives. He played a pivotal role in organizing Fresno River clean-up efforts, expanding law enforcement coverage, and supporting infrastructure projects, including the high-speed rail and associated regional development. He also contributed to education and youth programs, supporting the construction of multiple schools within the Madera Unified School District and helping establish the John Wells Youth Center at Centennial Park. Beyond the board of supervisors, he served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Madera County Transportation Commission, First 5 Madera County, LAFCO, and the San Joaquin River Conservancy, among others. His civic engagement extended to organizations such as the Pan-American Club, the Madera Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the NAACP Branch 1084. Max was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Sarah Rodriguez; his parents; and his siblings, Connie Munoz, Josephine Herrera, Victoria Contreras, Mary Helen Soto, Hope Rosales, Vera Olono, and Phillip Rodriguez. He is survived by his children, Barbara Dolan (John), Karen Scrivner (Gary), and Mark Rodriguez; as well as his grandchildren, Davis Pogue, and Juliana Pogue. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Max Rodriguez for his decades of service and enduring impact on the Madera Community. May his life continue to inspire public servants and citizens alike. ____________________”

2026-05-13 · Government Reform

“Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a treasured landmark in California's Central Valley, the Elbow Room Bar and Grill in Fresno, as it celebrates 70 years of culinary excellence, hospitality, and deep community connection. Since opening its doors in 1955, the Elbow Room has been a beloved gathering place for generations of Central Valley families. What began as a humble neighborhood hangout quickly became known for its signature steak sandwich, warm service, and inviting atmosphere. In 1994, restaurateur Mike Shirinian took the helm, ushering in a new era of growth while preserving the Elbow Room's original charm. Under his leadership, the restaurant expanded and evolved, adding custom wine cellars, a marketplace, and a climate-controlled patio, all designed to enhance the guest experience while honoring its timeless roots. For seven decades, the Elbow Room has remained committed to its core values: exceptional food, genuine connection, and a passion for doing things right. It has become far more than just a restaurant; it is a cherished institution and a symbol of the enduring spirit of Fresno. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Shirinian family, the Elbow Room team, and the entire Fresno community on this remarkable milestone. As we celebrate 70 years of tradition and innovation, we look forward to many more unforgettable meals and memories at this Central Valley icon. ____________________”

2026-04-30 · Economy