Kevin McCarthy

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to a doctor, mother, businesswoman, who brings a fresh perspective to the freshman class and knows firsthand the challenges that job creators face, having started her own medical practice from scratch, the gentlelady from New York's 19th District, Congresswoman Nan Hayworth.

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to an integral member of the Financial Services Committee, a member who ran one of the oldest pest management companies in the country and who has personally faced many of the challenges confronting small businesses today, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Dold).

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to a man who knows what it takes to create jobs and meet a payroll in having spent 20 years building a real estate development company that he started with his brothers and sisters, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Canseco).

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure now to yield 2 minutes to the chairman of the Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises Subcommittee, one who has been a leading advocate for pro-growth economic policies, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Garrett).

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to a new Member who knows firsthand how to create jobs through his work--he has employed over 100 people--the gentleman from Butler, Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly).

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the former chairman of the Small Business Committee, who has never stopped working to create good-paying jobs for northern Illinois, Mr. Manzullo.

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to a Member who is leading the way in encouraging job creation in Ohio's 15th Congressional District, Mr. Stivers.

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 1 minute to the Member whose top priority in Washington is getting the Granite Staters back to work, the gentleman from Manchester, New Hampshire (Mr. Guinta).

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, this bill represents an important step towards unleashing the potentials of entrepreneurs and small businesses. We must all remember, an entrepreneur never takes a job from someone. They only create them. Today we're going to unleash them. I urge all my colleagues to join me in this bipartisan effort to help promote small businesses' capital formation by supporting the underlying bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The gentleman from North Carolina's amendment goes against the very purpose of this bill. This amendment would force private companies raising capital to actually face stiffer regulations than public companies regarding compensation. The Securities and Exchange Commission doesn't require public companies selling to retail investors to put this in their advertising, and even Dodd-Frank did not go this far. With Ms. Waters' help, we made sure that this bill specifically targets only sophisticated Securities and Exchange accredited investors. The SEC has no authority to regulate the compensation of executives at private companies. At a time when the costs and benefits of regulations are so important, the Miller amendment would fail anyone's cost benefit analysis. I, therefore, urge my colleagues to reject this amendment. I yield 1 minute to the gentlelady from New York, Nan Hayworth.

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, the purpose of H.R. 2940 is to help facilitate capital for small business. This amendment flies directly in the face of that effort. I urge my colleagues to oppose the amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Speaker may postpone further proceedings on the amendment offered by Mr. Miller of North Carolina to H.R. 2940 as though under clause 8(a)(1)(A) of rule XX.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I reserve a point of order.

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation.

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the motion.

Mr. McCARTHY of California. It never ceases to amaze me. Not once, but twice today you have just taken two bills on the floor that have been through subcommittee and full committee unanimously and came down. This bill accepted every single amendment that came to rules. This bill accepted Maxine Waters' amendment in the committee. Had the gentleman listened to the debate on the floor, you would have heard from your side of the aisle support of this bill. Had the gentleman talked and listened about this bill itself, this has nothing to do about lending. Let me tell you why. When I was 20 years old I started my first small business. You know what the government does for a small business? If you're someone like me and you come from the wrong side of the tracks, they punish you. They tell you you can't go find money from an individual source unless you have a preexisting relationship. It dates back to 1933. The only thing that this bill does is correct that problem. It opens it up for an individual that has to be accredited. This has nothing to do with lending. I would tell the gentleman from the other side of the aisle, maybe you are not used to a regular order and an open order because your side of the aisle did not play that way in the majority. I will tell you, the committee acted as the American people wanted it to, unanimously, working on small business and job creation. America's looking for partnership, not partisanship.

Mr. McCARTHY of California. I will not yield. You did not take the time to read the bill, understand the bill, and you brought a motion that does not deal with the bill. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. McCARTHY of California. The bill does one thing, the number one thing the American people are looking for: create more jobs, less partisanship, and more small businesses. I urge my colleagues to reject this motion to recommit and support the bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that in the engrossment of H.R. 2930 and H.R. 2940, the Clerk be authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross-references and to make such other technical and conforming changes as may be necessary to accurately reflect the actions of the House.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Taft Union High School in my district which celebrated its 100th anniversary yesterday on September 18, 2011. Taft Union High School is located in the city of Taft and is a comprehensive public high school where students receive the best possible education. The school provides programs for students to develop their communication skills, critical thinking and problem solving capabilities, and technological aptitude. These programs help develop the students into independent thinkers who are active participants in their communities. I celebrate with the students, parents, teachers, staff, and alumni of Taft Union High School on such an outstanding accomplishment of providing opportunities for teamwork, leadership, competition, and personal and intellectual development over the last century. The many years of dedication to the young people in Kern County will continue to benefit us for years to come. On behalf of the residents of the 22nd Congressional District, I commend Taft Union High School on the 100th anniversary of its founding. I am very proud of the accomplishments of the school since its founding in 1911 and I know that the parents, teachers, neighbors and fans in our community will join me in congratulating this wonderful achievement and we hope there are 100 years to come.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Warren Carter, who passed away on July 21, 2011. Warren was a family man and a respected community leader. Warren grew up in McFarland and earned his bachelor's degree in 1958 from La Verne College (now the University of La Verne). He worked briefly as a teacher and later in the insurance industry. However, his true passion was farming. In the 1960s, Warren planted almonds on 200 acres in McFarland, becoming one of the first to grow a crop that turned out to be one of Kern County's largest agricultural commodities. He was also active in almond production research. His commitment to the agriculture industry extended beyond just farming. Warren served on the Almond Board of California from 1979 to 1992, including for two years as chairman and four years as vice chairman. Additionally, he served as president of the Kern County Farm Bureau, and shared his love of agriculture as chairman of the parent advisory committee for McFarland High School Future Farmers of America. Warren also was involved in many community activities. For instance, he enjoyed working with the local youth, and was a past director and chairman of Kern County Youth for Christ. Additionally, he was a co- founder and past director of Kern County Student Leadership, a high school leadership program that is now on 20 campuses throughout the county. Warren brought his leadership, charisma, and work ethic to the real estate industry when he purchased Watson Realty in 1980, eventually growing it from 20 agents to 100. His son, Ken Carter, is now president and owner. Warren is survived by his son Doug and, daughter-in-law Dena, son Ken and daughter-in-law Renee, daughter Karen and son-in-law Joey, 10 grandchildren, and his brother Wayne and sister Opal. His wife, Lenore passed away in 2009. Warren will truly be missed, but he will be remembered as a strong leader and a man dedicated to improving his community.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Thomas N. Clark, former General Manager of the Kern County Water Agency and respected water expert in our community, who passed away on July 23, 2011, after battling cancer. While Tom rose to the height of California water politics as General Manager of the Kern County Water Agency, KCWA, he was proud of his Oildale beginnings and never let anyone forget that. After graduating from North High School in 1963, he served for two years in the United States Army and married his sweetheart, Karen. Tom and Karen moved back to Bakersfield in 1970, and he quickly earned degrees from Bakersfield College and California State University, Bakersfield. Tom then received a full scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh, where he received a Master's Degree in water supply and pollution. Back in Bakersfield, Tom began his career with KCWA in 1974. During this time, he honed his understanding and knowledge of California water contract law, as well as the ins and outs of Kern County and California water policy. He left KCWA in 1978 and went to work for the late local farmer and entrepreneur George Nickel, where he learned a great deal about Kern River water rights. He later returned to KCWA and became General Manager in 1990, serving in this capacity for 14 years. As General Manager, Tom was at the center of California water politics, fighting tirelessly for Kern County residents and farmers to ensure our local communities received the water they needed and were entitled to. Recognized as a skilled and shrewd negotiator, Tom could wade through complex water problems to achieve collaborative, win-win solutions, all the while improving water supply reliability for Kern County. One of Tom's greatest achievements and lasting legacies was the Monterey Agreement, which he helped negotiate with the California Department of Water Resources and other State Water Project contractors. This averted an agricultural disaster in Kern County by preventing tens of thousands of acres of farmland from being fallowed because of lack of water. He also was at the table and worked on the historic 1994 Bay Delta Accord, which provided an agreement among water agencies and environmentalists, leading to the CalFed Record of Decision by the United States Department of the Interior. To provide more water reliability and supply stability, Tom was the driving force behind the Pioneer Project, a 2,253-acre groundwater recharge and water banking project located in Kern County, which KCWA operates to this day. This project was deservedly renamed the ``Thomas N. Clark Recharge and Banking Project'' in 2010. His leadership over the years helped KCWA navigate through ``wet'' and ``dry'' years, and the benefits of that leadership are still seen throughout the community and at all levels of government. Tom is survived by his wife, Karen, his children, Krista and Jeff, and his grandchild, Henry. I will miss Tom's great sense of humor and barbequing, but I know he will be fondly remembered as a strong leader who was a passionate advocate for Kern County water and respected by many.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. I thank my colleague from Ohio for yielding and for his work on this legislation. It is interesting to listen to the debate, and that is healthy. That's why we are on this floor. ``Defying logic,'' an interesting term. Defying logic, when you think of a debt limit. What is a debt limit, and why are we debating it? The debt limit, to the American people so you understand, is to pay for the obligations that this government has already promised. So let's think about defying logic. The economy is tough, so I sat in this House and I watched the other side of the aisle, Mr. Speaker, put together a stimulus bill where I even watched their own people stand on the floor and say they didn't know if it would work. At the end of the day, defying logic meant $278,000 for every job that was created. Defying logic to the American public is that more people in America today believe that Elvis Presley is alive than the stimulus created a job. Defying logic is that we have gone 28 straight months with unemployment above 8 percent. Defying logic is to continue this pattern. But today we have a debate. Today we have a choice. Today we can take a new path. I understand why so vigorously you fight this; because it would be a change to America. It would change the direction. And the one thing I would ask is: When will the assault on the American people stop? That would be defying the pattern of where we are going to go. So I want to ask you one thing. We ask in this bill to cut where you had government spending, just discretionary, gone up 84 percent in the last 3 years--to small business, that would be quite odd that they weren't able to do that--that we are going to cap it so it can't grow out of control, and then we're going to ask for a balanced budget that 49 States even have as a statute. What I want to say today is a new path. It is not a path to repeating mistakes; it is a path to a new future. When you think of a balanced budget and you question whether it will pass, you know, 16 years ago we came one vote shy in the Senate. It passed this body with fewer people on this side. That meant people on the other side of the aisle voted for it. There are some of the people in your leadership who have voted for it. Now, I want the American people to think and imagine, imagine had we gotten that one vote, the debate today would not have taken place. The debate today would not be about $14 trillion. The debate today wouldn't be that we had to change the path. The debate today would be about the future of this country. What do you think we would be debating? What investments we would make to continue to make this country strong? What ability we could grow with our businesses, and it wouldn't be about unemployment. So I want to harken back to a former President who said we could go to that shiny city on the hill. My charge is for this body to join us on that climb because this is the first step. And when we get there, we will recharge that light so this country burns brighter with freedom and liberty than it has in times before.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael Lingo, who is retiring as Superintendent of the Bakersfield City School District (BCSD) in Bakersfield, California. Mike has been an education leader in the district for 41 years and has spent the last 5 years as Superintendent of BCSD, the largest non-unified pre- kindergarten through eighth-grade district in California. Mike grew up in Bakersfield and was educated in the community where he now works. He attended Horace Mann Elementary, Sierra Junior High, East High, and Bakersfield College. He finished his college education at California State University, Fresno. After graduating, he returned to Bakersfield and started teaching in BCSD in 1970. After 20 years of teaching, Mike shifted his career and began his service in school administration. He served as the Supervisor of Employer-Employee Relations for BCSD in 1990. Then in 1995, he became Director of Personnel Services. In 2000, he was again promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Business Services. In this role, he oversaw all of the financial and services aspects that the district performs on top of pupil instruction. Mike became Superintendent in 2006. Many of his coworkers have expressed appreciation for Mike's leadership at a time when the school district has seen budget cuts year after year. Yet during Mike's time as superintendent, the district's academic performance index score rose from 643 to 688, a testament to his leadership and the hard work of the teachers, students, and parents in the school district. In addition, BCSD was the first major district in California to implement Learning Village, an online curriculum system. Dedicated to education on multiple levels, Mike's retirement will leave big shoes to fill at BCSD. The Bakersfield community and I commend his service to the thousands of BCSD students over four decades and we hope that Mike enjoys his transition into the next chapter of his life.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to welcome Monsignor Craig Harrison from Bakersfield, California, and appreciate that he was able to be here today to open up our floor session with the invocation. It is great to have a fellow Bakersfield High School Driller here on the floor with me. Since he returned to Bakersfield in 1999 to be the pastor of his hometown parish, Monsignor Craig has had a profound, positive impact on the lives of the thousands in our community. The fact that the number of families in his parish has increased by over 5,000 and enrollment in the parish school has doubled is a testament to his leadership in our community. He is more than just a faith leader. He is an author of a children's book, he is a faith leader to many of us throughout the community, and, on a personal note, he was a faith leader to my father as he battled his fight with cancer. Monsignor Craig is a true friend to the Bakersfield community, and I appreciate that he was able to share his words of wisdom on the House floor.