Rep. Jim Costa, who represents California’s 21st district in the U.S. Congress, addressed concerns about health care and food assistance for Valley families in a series of posts on November 3, 2025.
In his first post of the day, Costa commented on ongoing legislative disagreements regarding tax credits: “Open Enrollment season is officially underway. My colleagues across the aisle refuse to come to the table and extend critical tax credits. If these tax credits are not extended, Valley families and communities could see their insurance plans impacted.” (November 3, 2025).
Later that morning, he highlighted risks facing recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during a government shutdown: “During this shutdown, hardworking Valley families are at risk of losing their SNAP benefits for November. Nearly 30% of households in my district rely on SNAP to put food on the table. That’s why I joined forces with Central California Food Bank and local Valley leaders to” (November 3, 2025).
In an evening post, Costa criticized what he described as a “Republican health care crisis” and discussed the impact of the government shutdown: “The Republican health care crisis and government shutdown are hurting the American people. Health care premiums have more than doubled, essential services are being delayed, and public servants, including my own hardworking staff, have gone more than a month without pay.” (November 3, 2025).
Costa has represented California’s 21st District since replacing Cal Dooley in Congress in 2005. Before his tenure in Congress, he served in both chambers of California’s state legislature from 1978 through 2002. Born in Fresno in 1952 and currently residing there at age 71, Costa graduated from California State University, Fresno with a BA in 1974.
