Saturday, August 28, 2010

McCarthy: Congress fiddles as $13 trillion debt grows

 Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) gives his weekly report from Capitol Hill. In his own words:

 "It has been good to be home in California for the August work period. I spent a lot of time this week visiting our military and space facilities that our district is so grateful to have.  First stop was the China Lake Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division.  I was able to get a sneak preview of the Dr. William B. McLean Laboratory, named after the pioneer designer of the Sidewinder missile.  This new facility will house labs and office space for our current and next generation of weapons development.
   "I also received an update on the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) work out at China Lake – the restricted airspace and expertise at the base make it the perfect location for this kind of testing.   Second stop was Mojave Air and Space Port.  I met with aerospace legend Burt Rutan and astronauts Mike Melvill and
Brian Binnie and saw White Knight Two. 
 "I also met Aviation Weekly’s 2009 Person of the Year, Dave Masten.  Masten has invented the Xombie,
a vertical take off and landing rocket vehicle.  I also visited Edwards Air Force Base, and got an update on the F-35 (Joint Strike Fighter) test program, and the Airborne Laser Test Bed. These are game-changing technologies, and I appreciate all the great work there!
  "My last stop was at NASA’s Dryden Aircraft Operations Facility to visit SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy). This program will provide a new way of looking into space.

  "I also held an America Speaking Out luncheon in Ridgecrest.  As you may remember, America Speaking Out is an initiative that members of Congress are using to listen to the American people and hear their
solutions for the challenges facing our nation.  We had great turnout and an excellent discussion on the state of our fiscal situation both in California and nationally.   We discussed solutions that we can
employ to bring stability to our economy and keep America competitive in the world.  Unfortunately, right now Washington is ignoring the financial challenges that are looming over our country’s future, like the current $13 trillion national debt. 
 "When discussing job creation, we discussed policies on what will help our small businesses compete
with the rest of the world.  America has met challenges in the past and when America competes we win and we should never lose this mindset, especially now as our economy struggles to recover.  First,
let’s look at our business climate.  Keeping taxes low and unshackling burdensome regulations will help businesses innovate, expand, and create jobs.  Second, we need to get our financial house in order.
  "During this time of economic uncertainty, we need to stop digging the hole we are in and get our spending under control.  As Californians, we need to find ways to attract businesses to come to our state to create jobs, which is going to require us to really focus on the obstacles that are holding us back.  And as Americans, we need to revitalize that competitive spirit that has made our nation great.

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