McCarthy: One budget is the typical tax and spend Democratic plan, while the House plan calls for pro-growth tax reform and a plan to pay down the national debt

 Rep. Kevin McCarthy, House Majority Whip, brings us up to date on Capitol Hill. In his words:

 "This week was budget week in the House of Representatives. Just as budgets are an important tool for American families and businesses, my colleagues and I believe it is important for elected Representatives to present our constituents with a plan for the future. I would like to highlight two

budgets, in particular, and let you decide which plan you prefer.

 "The first is President Obama’s proposed budget. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid described this plan as 'a powerful statement of Democratic principles,' and I couldn’t agree more. The Administration’s plan for America consists of raising taxes by $1.8 trillion to pay for $6.1 trillion in new spending. It cuts national defense by $283 billion, and leaves our future generations with $3.8 trillion in increased debt. Moreover, the President’s budget never comes to balance—ever. In short, it is the same tax-and-spend policy that Washington Democrats have prescribed for years.

  "The other plan was drafted by my good friend House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan and supported by House Republicans. It addresses Washington’s out-of-control spending and comes to balance in 10 years. It expands opportunity for all by calling for pro-growth tax reform and increased domestic energy production. It increases spending on national defense, so our men and women in harm’s way can have the training and tools they need. It repeals Obamacare and calls for patient-centered reforms. It protects Medicare so we can keep the promise to our seniors. And it strengthens the safety net for those among us who have fallen on hard times.

 "The President’s budget was given a vote on the House Floor this week.  Out of 415 votes, it received only two “aye” votes. Yes – only two.

  "Meanwhile, I worked to help pass the only budget in Washington that balances and takes the necessary steps to pay down our debt and get our economy back on track. The budgets described here present very distinct paths and I believe our budget provides the only real path to prosperity.

Rep. Kevin McCarthy's year-end review from Capitol Hill

Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, gives us his year-end view from Capitol Hill.

 "As the New Year approaches, we look forward to the future and the many opportunities that lie ahead. Whether we stay up with friends to watch the ball drop in New York City’s Times Square or spend a quiet night with family, it is a time of optimism and new beginnings.
 "So as we count down the days to 2014, let us remember what makes our nation great – faith, family, freedom, hard work, and free-enterprise. As President Ronald Reagan said, “… America is no stranger to challenges. We need only live up to our convictions to set things right. We need only believe in ourselves, in our country, and in tomorrow.”
 "Let us also take a moment to recognize the hard work and achievements of the players and coaches of Bakersfield Christian High School (BCHS) and Bakersfield High School (BHS) who competed in this year’s CIF State Championship games. Our community could not have been more proud as we all watched these two schools play and compete with tremendous heart as they left everything on the field.  And as a former BHS football player, I want to personally congratulate the Driller football team for bringing the Division I State Championship home to Bakersfield.
 "
From my family to yours, let me wish you all a Happy New Year!

McCarthy: House Majority Whip cites fatal flaw in Obamacare, calls for bureaucrats to stay away from healthcare decisions

Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield and House Majority Whip) provides us his weekly view from Capitol Hill. In his words:

 "Two years ago, Americans watched as Democrats forced Obama’s trillion-dollar healthcare law through the House, despite the cost nearly doubling to $1.8 trillion now and objections to how it would affect families’ personal healthcare decisions.  While I remain committed to fully repealing ObamaCare, I applauded bipartisan support in the House to repeal one of the most egregious ObamaCare creations:  the little-known, but potentially far-reaching, Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). IPAB is a 15-member panel of unelected and unaccountable government bureaucrats appointed by the President and charged with reducing Medicare costs, which could result in de facto rationing of care for seniors, unless a supermajority in Congress votes to override its proposals. This unprecedented government-imposed rationing scheme is symptomatic of the broader ObamaCare premise that government must expand its reach into personal healthcare decisions.  When government over-intervenes, our individual freedoms and our personal choices are taken away.

  "Leaving Medicare services and payment decisions in the hands of unelected administrators would likely limit patient access to healthcare services and reduce quality of care and innovation. Many physicians already struggle to serve Medicare patients, and I’m concerned payment cuts to doctors and other healthcare providers who serve older Americans will adversely affect patient care. Over the last five years, the number of physicians unable to accept new Medicare patients has doubled. Low reimbursement rates have led to nearly 20% of doctors - 31% being primary care physicians - to restrict their number of Medicare patients. And, because TRICARE is tied to Medicare reimbursement rates, our military personnel will likely see similar impacts on their access to healthcare.  IPAB will only exacerbate this problem - this is unacceptable.

 "Congressional Democrats and over 400 organizations representing physicians, seniors, veterans, small businesses, healthcare providers and patients joined my Republican colleagues and me in an effort to repeal IPAB. I am pleased that Thursday, the House passed the Protecting Access to Healthcare (PATH) Act (H.R. 5) to repeal IPAB and implement commonsense medical liability reforms to reduce frivolous lawsuits.  According to a Harvard study, over 40% of medical malpractice suits lack merit, and studies show that “defensive medicine” costs over $200 billion annually, driving up healthcare costs.  This bill’s medical liability reforms would save the federal government an estimated $48.6 billion, of which $45.5 billion will go directly toward paying down our debt. These reforms will preserve the doctor-patient relationship, make healthcare more affordable, and stop unaccountable government bureaucrats from the inevitable march toward rationing healthcare.

 "I continue working with Congressman Paul Ryan to get our nation’s fiscal house in order by putting together a responsible budget that reforms our tax code and tackles our debt.  I will also unveil an energy policy package next week that provides an all-of-the-above approach to domestic energy development to alleviate pain at the pump, create new American jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.  We cannot wait to address our debt and energy needs. Now is the time to put solutions forward and get America back on track."