Jim Costa

Overview

Jim Costa is a Democratic U.S. Representative from California whose voting record reflects a centrist approach within his party. With 638 recorded votes, he has built a substantial record that shows consistent support for defense and veterans' legislation, foreign policy measures, infrastructure investment, and agricultural priorities — the last of which aligns with his representation of California's agriculturally rich Central Valley. On healthcare, Costa has voted in favor of measures roughly 61% of the time, frequently supporting his party's procedural efforts such as motions to recommit on bills like the Do No Harm in Medicaid Act and the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act. His budget voting stands out: he opposed roughly 70% of budget-related measures that came to a vote, including the fiscal year 2027 congressional budget and continuing appropriations, reflecting disagreement with the majority party's spending priorities. His record on environment and energy policy is notably split, with an almost even 49% approval rate — a pattern that distinguishes him from many in his party who vote more consistently in favor of environmental regulations. On immigration-related votes, he opposed 63% of the measures brought to the floor. His across-the-board support for foreign policy bills (100%) and infrastructure measures (100%) suggests areas where he finds common ground regardless of which party sponsors the legislation. Overall, Costa's record paints the picture of a pragmatic legislator who frequently sides with his party on procedural and social policy matters but diverges on issues related to energy regulation, agriculture, and fiscal policy — consistent with a representative balancing a politically diverse, agriculture-dependent district.

Key Positions

• •Voted in favor of every foreign policy measure that came to a vote (11 for 11), indicating strong and consistent engagement on international affairs.
• •Supported all five infrastructure-related measures, reflecting a priority on public works and development investment.
• •Voted for the Water Resources Development Act and the Ratepayer Protection Act while opposing a resolution to disapprove an EPA rule on California harbor craft emissions — showing a case-by-case approach to environmental and energy policy rather than a blanket position.
• •Supported veterans' legislation, including the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, and voted to invoke the War Powers Resolution regarding U.S. forces in Lebanon, though he voted differently on a related earlier resolution — suggesting careful deliberation on military authorization.
• •Opposed the fiscal year 2027 congressional budget and a continuing appropriations measure, placing him against the majority party's spending framework.
• •Backed agricultural legislation at a 64% rate, consistent with representing one of the most productive farming regions in the country.
• •Voted in favor of motions to recommit on the Do No Harm in Medicaid Act and the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, supporting his party's alternative approaches to healthcare legislation.
• •Opposed the majority of immigration-related measures brought to a vote, voting in favor only 25% of the time.