Jim Costa
Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021-2023
The 117th United States Congress began on January 3, 2021 and ended on January 3, 2023. At the start of the session, Democrats held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (222-213), and the U.S. Senate had a 50-50 makeup. Democrats assumed control of the Senate on January 20, 2021, when President Joe Biden (D) and Vice President Kamala Harris (D), who acted as a tie-breaking vote in the chamber, assumed office. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.
Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021-2023 | |||||
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Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2021
The 116th United States Congress began on January 9, 2019, and ended on January 3, 2021. At the start of the session, Democrats held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (235-200), and Republicans held the majority in the U.S. Senate (53-47). Donald Trump (R) was the president and Mike Pence (R) was the vice president. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.
Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2021 | |||||
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Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018
- For detailed information about each vote, click here.
- Votes on domestic policy (click to expand)
Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Conference report) (HR 2)
Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018
- Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023.[75]
Voted Nay on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2 (second vote))
Bill Passed (213-211) on June 21, 2018
- Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance. It also proposed modifying the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as the food stamp program.[76]
Voted Nay on: Securing America’s Future Act of 2018 (HR 4760)
Bill Failed (193-231) on June 21, 2018
- Proposed funding a border wall, limiting legal immigration, a mandatory worker verification program, allowing DACA recipients to apply for legal status, and preventing separation of families at the border.[77]
Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)
Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018
- Reauthorizes through FY2023 and modifies some Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.[78]
Voted Nay on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36)
Bill Passed (237-189) on October 3, 2017
- Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill provided exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.[79]
Voted Nay on: Kate's Law (HR 3004)
Bill Passed (257-167) on June 29, 2017
- Proposed increasing criminal penalties for individuals in the country illegally who were convicted of certain crimes, deported, and then re-entered the U.S. illegally.[80]
Voted Nay on: No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (HR 3003)
Bill Passed (228-195) on June 29, 2017
- Proposed withholding federal funds from states and localities that chose not to follow federal immigration laws.[81]
Voted Nay on: American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)
Bill passed (217-213) on May 4, 2017
- Proposed modifying the budgetary and fiscal provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.[82]
- Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand)
Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 6157)
Bill Passed (361-61) on September 26, 2018
- Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.[83]
Voted Yea on: Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 5895)
Bill Passed (377-20) on September 13, 2018
- Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.[84]
Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 6157)
Bill Passed (359-49) on June 28, 2018
- Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.[85]
Voted Yea on: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 5895)
Bill Passed (235-179) on June 8, 2018
- Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.[86]
Voted Yea on: Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (S 2155)
Bill Passed (258-159) on May 22, 2018
- Proposed exempting some banks from the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act[87]
Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)
Bill Passed (256-167) on March 22, 2018
- Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.[88]
Voted Yea on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)
Bill Passed (240-186) on February 9, 2018
- Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.[89]
Voted Yea on: Further Extension Of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1892)
Bill Passed (245-182) on February 6, 2018
- Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.[90]
Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)
Bill Passed (266-150) on January 22, 2018
- Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.[91]
Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)
Bill Passed (230-197) on January 18, 2018
- Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 16, 2018.[92]
Voted Yea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)
Bill Passed (231-188) on December 21, 2017
- Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.[93]
Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)
Bill Passed (227-203) on December 19, 2017
- Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.[94]
Voted Nay on: Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (HJ Res 123)
Bill Passed (235-193) on December 7, 2017
- Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017.[95]
Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)
Bill Passed (227-205) on November 16, 2017
- Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses.[96]
Voted Nay on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)
Bill Passed (216-212) on October 26, 2017
- Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. (This bill proposed adopting the Senate's budget resolution.)[97]
Voted Nay on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)
Bill Passed (219-206) on October 5, 2017
- Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027.[98]
Did not vote on: Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3354)
Bill Passed (211-198) on September 14, 2017
- Proposed providing FY2018 appropriations for the federal government. It combined 12 appropriations bills.[99]
Did not vote on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)
Bill Passed (316-90) on September 8, 2017
- Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts.[100]
Did not vote on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 601)
Bill Passed (419-3) on September 6, 2017
- Proposed providing $7.85 billion for disaster relief requirements, including response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey.[101]
Did not vote on: Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (HR 10)
Bill passed (233-186) on June 8, 2017
- Proposed amending the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, among other acts.[102]
Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)
Bill passed (309-118) on May 3, 2017
- Proposed a $1.2 trillion budget to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017.[103]
- Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand)
Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (HR 5515)
Bill Passed (351-66) on May 24, 2018
- Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities[104]
Voted Nay on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)
Bill Passed (250-166) on January 30, 2018
- Proposed providing appropriations for military functions administered by the Department of Defense and for other purposes, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018.[105]
Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018—Conference report (HR 2810)
Bill Passed (356-70) on November 14, 2017
- Proposed authorizing FY2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths.[106]
Voted Nay on: Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3219)
Bill Passed (235-192) on July 27, 2017
- Proposed making appropriations for defense, military construction, Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, energy and water development, and for other purposes for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2018.[107]
Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)
Bill Passed (419-3) on July 25, 2017
- Proposed providing congressional review and measures to counter aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.[108]
Did not vote on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180, second vote)
Bill Passed (380-35) on July 28, 2017
- Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.[109]
Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180)
Bill Failed (241-163) on July 24, 2017
- Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.[110]
Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)
Bill Passed (344-81) on July 14, 2017
- Proposed authorizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It did not provide budget authority.[111]
Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 1301)
Bill passed (371-48) on March 8, 2017
- The $577.9 billion fiscal year 2017 defense spending bill proposed $516.1 billion in base budget funding and $61.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism funding.[112]
114th Congress
The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[113][114] For more information pertaining to Costa's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.[115]
Economic and fiscal
Trade Act of 2015
Trade adjustment assistance
On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302. Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged with trade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Costa was one of 40 Democrats to vote in favor of TAA.[116][117]
Trade promotion authority
On June 12, 2015, the House passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill including trade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Costa was one of 28 Democrats to support the measure.[118][119]
Trade promotion authority second vote
After the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass the House together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining his or her original position on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Costa was one of 28 Democrats to vote in favor of the amendment.[120][121]
Trade adjustment assistance second vote
The House passed HR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Costa was one of 175 Democrats to vote in favor of HR 1295.[122][123]
On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Costa voted with 40 Democrats and 228 Republicans to approve the bill.[124] The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.[125]
On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison.[126][127] Costa voted with 134 other Democrats and 235 Republicans to approve the bill.[128] On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015.[129]
2016 Budget proposal
On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, including Costa, voted against the resolution.[130][131][132]
2015 budget
On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017.[133] Costa voted with 186 Democrats and 79 Republicans in favor of the bill.[134] It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015.[135] President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015.
Foreign Affairs
Iran nuclear deal
- See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015
On May 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Costa voted with 176 Democrats to approve the bill.[136][137]
Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approving the nuclear agreement with Iran. Costa voted with 161 Democrats for the bill.[138][139]
Suspension of Iran sanctions relief
On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Costa voted with 185 Democrats against the bill.[140][141]
Presidential non-compliance of section 2
On September 10, 2015, the House passed H Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Costa voted with 185 Democrats against the resolution.[142][143]
Export-Import Bank
On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods.[144] Costa voted with 185 Democrats and 127 Republicans in favor of the bill.[145]
Domestic
USA FREEDOM Act of 2015
On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 2048—the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015—by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revised HR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005—by ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Costa voted with 141 Democrats and 196 Republicans to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.[146][147]
Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Costa voted with 179 Democrats against the bill.[148][149]
Cyber security
On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies.[150] Costa voted with 134 Democrats and 220 Republicans to approve the bill.[151]
On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116.[152] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Costa voted with 104 Democrats and 202 Republicans in favor of the bill.[153]
Immigration
On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137.[154] The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Costa voted with 46 Democrats and 242 Republicans in favor of the bill.[155]
113th Congress
The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[156] For more information pertaining to Costa's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.[157]
National security
HR 644
- See also: Bowe Bergdahl exchange
On September 9, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 644, a resolution condemning President Barack Obama's act of exchanging five Guantanamo Bay prisoners for Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.[158][159] The House voted 249-163 for resolution, with all Republicans and 22 Democrats supporting the bill. Fourteen Democrats and five Republicans did not vote on the resolution, while all other Democrats opposed its passage.[159] Costa dissented from the majority of the Democratic party and voted in favor of the bill.[158][159]
NDAA
Costa voted for HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.[160]
DHS Appropriations
Costa voted against HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines.[161]
CISPA (2013)
Costa voted for HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.[162]
Economy
Farm bill
On January 29, 2014, the U.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, also known as the Farm Bill.[163] The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill reformed and continued various programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop.[164][165] However, cuts to the food stamp program cut an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states.[165] Costa voted with 88 other Democratic representatives in favor of the bill.
2014 Budget
On January 15, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014.[166][167] The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582 page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill.[167] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.[168] It included a 1 percent increase in the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel, a $1 billion increase in Head Start funding for early childhood education, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and the protection of the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Costa joined with the majority of the Democratic party and voted in favor of the bill.[166][167]
Government shutdown
- See also: United States budget debate, 2013
On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.[169] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.[170] Costa voted against the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.[171]
The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.[172] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Costa voted for HR 2775.[173]
Federal Pay Adjustment Elimination
Costa voted for HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees. The bill passed the House on February 15, 2013, with a vote of 261 - 154. The bill called for stopping a 0.5 percent pay increase for all federal workers from taking effect. The raises were projected to cost $11 billion over 10 years. Costa was 1 of 44 Democrats who supported the bill, while 144 voted against it.[174]
Immigration
Morton Memos Prohibition
Costa voted against House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status.[175] The vote largely followed party lines.[176]
Healthcare
Healthcare Reform Rules
Costa voted against House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.[177]
Abortion
Costa voted against HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill was to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.[178]
Previous congressional sessions
Fiscal Cliff
Costa voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was one of 172 Democrats who voted in favor of the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.[179]
Other votes
Rep. Costa voted for TARP.[180] According to a Gallup poll from September 13, 2010, 61 percent of Americans disapproved of TARP, while 37 percent approved.[181]
Costa also supported the stimulus bill.[182] According to polls, 57% of U.S. voters believe that the stimulus has either hurt the economy (36%) or had no impact (21%), while 38% believe the stimulus helped the economy.[183]
In addition, Rep. Costa voted for the "Cash for Clunkers" bill.[184] According to a June 2009 Rasmussen Reports poll, 54 percent of likely U.S. voters opposed Cash for Clunkers, while 35 percent supported it.[185]
Rep. Costa supported the health care reform bill.[186] According to a poll, 57% of likely voters at least somewhat favor repeal of the health care reform bill, including 46% who strongly favor repeal. Additionally, 35% of likely voters oppose repeal. Finally, 51% of likely voters believe the health care reform bill will be bad for the country, while 36% believe it will be beneficial.[187]