Saturday, October 2, 2010

McCarthy: Congress adjourns while the country braces for massive tax hikes in the new year

 Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) submits his weekly update from Capitol Hill. In his words:

"Unfortunately, while our nation continues to face tremendous economic challenges, House and Senate Majority leaders decided to adjourn Congress early and leave town.  This was an unfortunate change in
schedule for the American people and small businesses across the country.
 " My colleagues and I, including more than 40 Democrats, were ready to have a real debate and vote on making sure we have stable tax rates moving forward so that small business owners can plan for the
future.  However, Congress departed without passing legislation to extend our current tax code and prevent massive tax hikes that arec oming January 1, 2011. Congress also failed to consider a real budget for Fiscal Year 2011.

  "As you may remember from last week, my colleagues and I unveiled the Pledge to America.  It is a new governing agenda that can be implemented immediately to get our country moving again.  It is built
upon the priorities of the American people and is the product of the America Speaking Out initiative--encouraging Congress to cut spending, end the uncertainty plaguing our economy, and fundamentally change how Congress operates.  I encourage you to download a copy or print out the pocket card version at pledge.gop.gov.

  "As outlined in the Pledge, this week my colleagues and I followed up in three ways to start working on the solutions that our country needs right now.  First, on Wednesday my colleagues and I asked for a vote
on ending TARP bailouts to show America that we are beginning the fight to make government smaller and more accountable.  Second, we offered a motion to repeal parts of the new health care law and
replace it with a common sense solution – providing real medical liability reform that would allow physicians to refocus on patients, instead of unneeded lawsuits, thus enabling greater access to more affordable care.  Third, we were able to bring to the floor another vote on a proposal that cut back non-security discretionary spending to pre-bailout, pre-stimulus spending levels to save taxpayers $100 billion in 2010. While my colleagues and I were ready to stay and start making tough choices needed to rein in spending and reduce the size of government, the Majority in Congress decided they were ready to head home and so they voted against all three proposals.

  "I hope to see everyone at Luigi’s 100th Anniversary celebration on Sunday.  It should be a wonderful time and I look forward to getting a slice of butterfinger pie.  Good luck to BC as they take on # 1 ranked
Mount San Antonio College, both teams are 4-0 so it should be a great game – go Renegades.

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