Costa Secures Funding for Agriculture, Drinking Water, and Other Valley Programs

(WASHINGTON) – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement after the House passed the minibus appropriations bill to fund programs within Agriculture & Rural Development, Interior &Environment, State & Foreign Operations, and Military Construction & Veterans Affairs:

“This legislation makes important investments in programs that expand opportunities for people across the country, including the San Joaquin Valley,” said Costa. “By supporting our farmers, increasing community access to a clean reliable water supply, and enhancing food security both at home and abroad, this bill prepares us for a brighter future.”

Congressman Costa secured funding for important programs that would benefit the San Joaquin Valley, including:

• For Valley farmers, ranchers, dairymen and women and to support food programs for disadvantaged communities:
  • $1.4 billion in funding for the Farm Service Agency to support the delivery of effective agricultural programs that aid farmers in the San Joaquin Valley and alleviate the backlog of applications for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP).
  • $198 million to combat specialty crop pests, including the navel Orangeworm.
  • Blocks harmful Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) rules for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) and Categorical Eligibility that would deny our most vulnerable communities with needed support.
  • $610 million for rural water systems to assist communities such as Dos Palos repair and construct drinking water infrastructure.

• For Valley conservation efforts, including supporting reliable access to clean drinking water for our communities, funding wildfire prevention, and improving Valley air quality:
  • $10.2 billion for Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds
  • $950 million in funding for water infrastructure grants for small and disadvantaged communities to ensure access to a clean and reliable water supply.
  • $450 million for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grants to improve Valley air quality.
  • $5.73 billion for Wildland Fire Management to maintain healthy forests and fight wildfires.

• For preserving our public lands and supporting revitalization efforts in our communities:
  • $511 million for the National Wildlife Refuge System to support conservation areas like the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge.
  • $3.22 billion for the National Park Service to fund operations, hire increased staff, and enhance preservation efforts.
  • $350 million in funding for Brownsfield grants like those used to revitalize downtown Fresno.

• For supporting global health efforts and promoting peace and food stability throughout the world:
  • $1.4 million for demining operations in Nagorno-Karabakh.
  • $1.7 billion for the Food for Peace Program, which provides food aid and enhances food security in vulnerable countries throughout the world.
  • $6.3 billion for global HIV/AIDS research and prevention to continue to combat the spread of the HIV/AIDS throughout the world.
  • $3.3 billion in military assistance to Israel.
  • Prohibits use of funding to implement the so-called “Global Gag Rule” regarding access to women’s health services.

 ###