Kevin McCarthy

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts by many in the community of Ridgecrest to honor our service men and women on Armed Forces Day 2011. The City of Ridgecrest is home to the Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake. NAWS China Lake was established during World War II for the purpose of weapons testing. Since then, NAWS China Lake has become the premier weapons development laboratory for the United States Navy. Many of my constituents living in Ridgecrest work at NAWS China Lake and take great pride in the support they provide to our Nation and they are properly recognized for their efforts on this day. The 2011 Armed Forces Day is especially significant to the community of Ridgecrest because this year marks two significant anniversaries for NAWS China Lake and the United States. This year marks the centennial anniversary of Naval Aviation. In this anniversary, the Navy will be commemorating 100 years of Naval Aviation and honoring a century of mission-ready men and women and their many aviation achievements. Additionally, this year is significant for veterans of World War II because it will mark the 70th anniversary of our Nation's entry into that war. There have been many significant achievements by the scientists and engineers at China Lake. For example, they developed the air-intercept missile 9 Sidewinder in 1950. This has become the world's most used air-to-air missile technology. Additionally, other rockets and missiles developed or tested at China Lake include the Mighty Mouse, Zuni, Shrike, Joint Stand-off Weapon and Joint Direct-Attack Munition. Considering these two significant anniversaries and their importance to the City of Ridgecrest it gives me great pleasure to recognize the Ridgecrest community and their efforts there to pay tribute to the dedicated men and women who devote their lives to military service.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Chairman, I want to begin by first thanking the chairman of the Budget Committee, Mr. Ryan, and the entire Budget staff. I would also like to thank the Democrat members on the Budget Committee as well. What we are taking up today is the point of where this country goes. Because this debate has gone on for quite some time, there is probably not one person in America that has not watched the news and watched the clock of our debt of $14 trillion. I want you all to imagine for one moment, just imagine for one moment, what the future of this country would hold in the dreams if that clock was zero. What could we invest in? What could we build? And what would our children become? But because that clock does not say zero and that clock continues to climb in the wrong direction, that's why we are here today. But it is a good day because today is the day that we turn that clock back around. We have a plan and a Path to Prosperity that will create jobs--even those on the outside that looked at it said there will be more than 1 million jobs, a plan that will make us energy independent, but also a plan that does something the rest of America has to do as well: tighten our belts. So today, when we come and have to put our card in the voting slot, I want you to think of one thing: Today could be the day that we create the great America comeback, or it could be the day that America goes into the long fade into history. The floor is made up of a microcosm of America, and all of America knows that we have to control the situation we are in. So today, a ``yes'' vote is for jobs, for energy independence, and a new Path to Prosperity. Announcement by the Acting Chair

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert Otis ``Bob'' Price, a dedicated community leader and friend who passed away on Wednesday, February 9, 2011, at the age of 79. Bob was a family man committed to public service who always looked to give back to our community, our State, and our Nation. Bob was born in Abilene, Kansas on January 4, 1932 and moved with his family to San Luis Obispo in 1937. The Price family eventually moved to Bakersfield in 1947 where he graduated from Kern County Union High School (now Bakersfield High School) in 1949. In 1952, Bob was drafted by the U.S. Army and became a Mess Sergeant in the 5th Army. After being honorably discharged from active duty, Bob returned to Bakersfield. His career at the Bakersfield Police Department soon began after a police sergeant from church suggested that he apply. This recommendation set up his successful 32-year career with the Department. Bob spent his first 30 days in ``rookie school,'' as it was called, and was quickly promoted to ``motor cop.'' According to his family, Bob loved being a motorcycle cop and according to him he ``had a motor in (his) garage when (he) made Chief of Police.'' Bob rose through the ranks having made Sergeant in 1964, Lieutenant in 1966, Captain in 1970, and eventually Chief of Police in 1973. He retired in 1988 after 15 years as chief. He was elected Mayor of the City of Bakersfield in 1992 and he spent eight successful years in office before his second term ended in 2001. Bob worked to help Bakersfield continue to prosper during this time by working on projects like the Centennial Garden arena, the downtown streetscape, and the restoration of the Fox Theatre. During the final years of his life, Bob still worked to help his community. Bob helped me by serving as district coordinator in my California State Assembly office when I was first elected. Then in 2009, Bob saw that the Bakersfield Police Department was overcrowded because the department was understaffed and, as was always his way, Bob found a solution. He started a program to bring in retired police department staff to help with all of the paperwork. Bob loyally served his community in a distinguished career. He was a strong, genuine, straight talking leader and he will be dearly missed. Additionally, he will always be remembered as a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. Bob and his first wife Dorothy, who had a long battle with cancer, had two sons Fred and Donald. Bob is survived by his wife, Sandi and his son, Fred, his grandchildren, Erin and Robert, and Sandi's daughter Kim and her husband Jim, and their children Audrey, Robert, and Lauren. His life was devoted to serving his community. He will be remembered as a man of deep faith, a strong leader, and a role model who remains respected by many.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Coach Paul Briggs, a great football coach who passed away on Monday, February 14, 2011, at the age of 90. Coach Briggs was Bakersfield High School's head football coach from 1953-1985. During those 33 seasons, his teams won 210 games, including four Central Section championships. Coach Briggs was born in Providence, Rhode Island and grew up in Grand Junction, Colorado. He joined the Navy in 1943 and earned a Bronze Star for bravery and a Purple Heart. He played football at the University of Colorado and on the 1948 Detroit Lions. Then, Coach Briggs began his coaching career in 1949 at Rocky Ford High School in Colorado. Continuously recognized for his great achievements in sports, Coach Briggs was a member of numerous halls of fame: the California Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Bob Elias Kern County Hall of Honor, Bakersfield High School Driller Football Hall of Fame, the University of Colorado Hall of Fame, and Citizens Athletic Foundation High School Hall of Fame. As a former player on one of Coach Briggs' Drillers teams, he was extremely knowledgeable about the game and was a tremendous leader. Coach Briggs left Bakersfield High School after the 1985 season and continued his work with young athletes coaching at Orange Coast College. He spent 20 years there before retiring in 2005, having spent 57 years as a football coach. Coach Briggs was a local icon and served as a great role model for the thousands of athletes he coached and taught during his career. He is survived by his daughter Paula and son-in-law Tom Parsons, grandsons Russell and Kevin Parsons, sisters Virginia Wilhite and Janet Dodrill, and his five nieces and six nephews.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. As I listen to the debate, people want to know if anybody was asked. You realize that there are four times as many children who want a scholarship than there's one for? Those are the people we should ask. Those are the people who have been asked. Those are the people that have asked to be able to have a new life, a new direction and a hope that we all dream about in America. I will tell you, this morning, like almost every morning when I'm in Washington, D.C., we get that time, we call home. As a husband and a parent, I call my wife, and the first thing we talk about is our children. We talk about our children, about how they're feeling, how they're doing, but more importantly, how's their education--who are the latest and where they are going. It's the same question that every single parent that's a Member of this body asks. Every Member of this body that's a parent doesn't care about what they will become. You care about what your children will become. The greatest opportunity you have for your children to expand all the dreams and hopes they have as an American is making sure they have the right education. But it is not just for a select few. We want to make sure everybody does. Last Congress, one of the toughest times I watched on this floor was the new Obama administration and the Democratic majority, where they worked to terminate this program to prevent new children from participating, and going so far as revoking 216 new children for a scholarship that had already been elected to the 2009-2010 school year. Not only was it unfair; it was unwise. We have an opportunity on this floor to do something different. We have an opportunity on this floor to actually make a correction. It is not a correction for you and me. It is a correction of a hope and a dream that a child can unleash and unshackle something that holds them back. It is a dream that they can rise to the occasion, they can have the foundation, they can have the ability that the country has always talked about. That is why I support the SOAR Act, because I believe these children can soar higher. I believe these children can reach a new dream, and I do not believe in holding them back. For all those who sit there and still want more, four to every one, I for one am going to join with them. Support this bill and support a new hope and dream. It is not about what we will become. It will be about what the next generation in America can achieve, and we want them to soar to new heights.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Let me thank the gentleman for yielding. First of all, let me say I respect my friends on the other side of the aisle. I do believe you all, like us, want to improve America's health care system. Congressional Republicans and Democrats don't differ on that goal. Where we differ, and differ quite drastically, is on how to accomplish this goal. And the American people's opinion on health care reform radically differs from that, Mr. Speaker, of President Obama and the congressional Democrats. Americans understand that our health care system, warts and all, is still the very best in the world. We have the best doctors, nurses, hospitals, and health innovators in the world. We should be working together to improve the system rather than turning it over to thousands of health care bureaucrats who believe they can make better choices than patients and doctors. The debate today is a little different than the debate that I remember when this bill was passed, Mr. Speaker. Members are not held over for a weekend vote. There are not protesters outside rallying, wanting, Mr. Speaker, to have their voices be heard. Today is an open, cordial discussion. That's what the American people asked for, a health care system that works, that doesn't deter, a health care system devised by the patient and doctor. Mr. Speaker, our families deserve better, our small businesses deserve better, and to all my colleagues, America deserves better. Let's repeal this health care bill, start to replace it with an open and an honest debate, where the American people are involved, patients are involved, doctors are involved, and the American public can have a health care bill that lowers the cost without destroying jobs and a health care system that keeps the innovation we know so well.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. I thank the gentleman. Madam Speaker, I recall a short time ago, after the election in 2006, I came in a freshman class. All the Members here, when they come here together right after the election, they get together as freshmen. You have gone through a debate, you have gone through an election, and you look around and you are meeting people from across the country. I remember in that class when we looked across there were a lot of different people, but Gabby's smile just lights up the room. She didn't sit back to wait to talk to everybody on different sides of the aisle. She did it just as she has done every day on this floor, walked right up, introduced herself and says how can we work together. When you look just last week, Gabby was sitting on this floor, standing right in this well, reading the Constitution, the First Amendment, going home, doing what she has done many times before, listening to her constituents, what all of us do. What has transpired, we cannot let happen. We cannot be deterred, just from that same aspect that Gabby gives the strength as she fights right now, and we cannot forget those that lost their lives. We cannot forget the Federal Chief District Justice John Roll; Gabe Zimmerman, working for Gabby's staff; 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green, being elected in student council, just wanting to meet her Representative and a neighbor taking her down; also Dorothy Morris, Dorwan Stoddard or Phyllis Schneck, doing what they thought was every American's right to do and give their opinion. That's what this floor has to be committed to, that's what this floor has to continue to fight. That is exactly what Gabby continues to fight for and will continue as we go.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Article I, section 3: ``The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State for 6 years; and each Senator shall have one vote.''

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the new chairman of the Rules, Mr. Dreier, for yielding. We are debating the rules package. Why is it important to have a rules package? Because structure dictates behavior. For America, we know that, for far too long, the structure of this House was dictating a behavior that the American public did not care for nor did they want. They watched for too long bills written by a few come to the floor where Members have not even read it, the public has not even been able to see it, and a debate and a vote, then passed. We watched where we didn't even have an open rule. Not one freshman in this building that became a sophomore ever saw a open rule. But today is a new day. Today is a new opportunity. Now, what went into the rules package and how did you come about crafting it and creating it? Well, it wasn't crafted today, and it wasn't crafted with one side of the aisle. We reached out to both sides. But we reached beyond this House. We reached where this House was supposed to go, to the people. Last fall, our new Speaker Boehner asked us to open up to the American people and ask them what they needed from here. We created America Speaking Out. Anybody could come in and give you an idea, and not once did we ask them what party they were registered or affiliated with. Just the power of the idea should win at the end of the day. And do you know what they said? They said a bill shouldn't come to the floor but it should have 3 days so that not only Members of Congress could read it but the American public. You know what? It's in the rules. They said you have a $1.3 trillion deficit and, for the first time since the Budget Act of 1974 was passed, you don't even have a budget. So you should make it harder to spend and easier to cut. Well, that's what this rule package does. This rule package gives us an opportunity to do exactly what President Lincoln wanted, a House of the people, for the people, by the people. And the structure at the end of the day will make it more open, more transparent, and more accountable. That's what the people asked for, and that's what we were sent here to do.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a community leader, Pat Hedges, on his retirement after 33 years of service with the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department, most currently as Sheriff-Coroner. Sheriff Hedges grew up in San Luis Obispo County, graduating from Morro Bay High School in 1970, earning an associate degree from Cuesta College and later a bachelor's degree in administration of justice from California State University, Sacramento. After receiving his degree from Cuesta College, Sheriff Hedges went on to join the United States Coast Guard in 1971, went through boot camp in Alameda, California, and served in the Coast Guard until his retirement in 1997. He went to work for Pacific Engineering in 1973 and then Thrifty Drug in 1974. In 1977, he began his career with the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department. Sheriff Hedges was elected Sheriff of San Luis Obispo County in 1998, and served 3 consecutive terms. As Sheriff, he was responsible for law enforcement for an area in excess of 3,200 square miles, oversaw 400 employees, and oversaw a county jail that currently houses more than 500 inmates. Sheriff Hedges instituted many improvements and was instrumental in forging the modern Sheriff's Department. Among many things, Sheriff Hedges helped facilitate opening the new North Patrol Station in Templeton and a DNA laboratory for the department. He improved the efficiency of law enforcement in San Luis Obispo County by creating an Independent Sheriff's Narcotics Unit, forming the Rural Crime Task Force, and implementing school resource officers. Sheriff Hedges also was a founding member of the Anti-Gang Coordinating Council and established the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement Unit. Sheriff Hedges currently serves on the Board of Governors for the San Luis Obispo County Narcotics Task Force and has previously served in many community organizations including the North County Women's Shelter and the Sexual Assault Recovery and Prevention Center Board, San Luis Obispo Mental Health Board, California State and San Luis Obispo County Cattlemen's Associations, and the Anti-Gang Coordinating Commission. Sheriff Hedges is a member of the Los Angeles Joint Terrorism Task Force Executive Board. Dedicated to serving his community in a variety of ways, Sheriff Hedges' leadership at the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department will be deeply missed. I've known Pat for years and value his friendship and support, and while he may no longer be Sheriff, Pat will continue to be a leader in our community. I plan to continue to call on him for advice and counsel, and a good dose of his dry wit. In this new chapter of his life, I'm sure Pat is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Sandy, and children. I commend his service to the County of San Luis Obispo, and I hope that Sheriff Hedges enjoys the next stage of his life.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jeannette Rogers-Erickson, a community leader from Kern County in the State of California. Mrs. Rogers-Erickson holds board positions in many local organizations, such as the Kern Valley Hospital Foundation, the Kern Valley Hospital Auxiliary, the Kernville Chamber of Commerce, the Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Kern River Revitalization group, the Exchange Club, the Rotary Club of the Kern Valley, the South Fork Women's Club, the Kern Valley Women's Club, and the Kern Valley Collaborative. Mrs. Rogers-Erickson also belongs to the Kern River Valley Art Association and for many years has had her art ``worn'' throughout the valley on the annual Whiskey Flat Days official shirts. In addition to her membership in many local organizations, Mrs. Rogers-Erickson is a board member of the Kern Community Foundation and is on the organizing committee of the newly formed Kern River Valley Community Foundation Fund. She has been active with the Women's and Girls' Fund of Bakersfield as well as a board member of the Probation Auxiliary County of Kern, PACK, which oversees the Kernville-based Camp Erwin Owen for Boys. For her many great works in the community, Mrs. Rogers-Erickson was selected by Assemblymember Jean Fuller to be the 2007 Woman of the Year for the 32nd California State Assembly District. She is also the recent recipient of the Exchange Club 2010 Book of Golden Deeds given to a local resident who has high integrity, honesty, generosity, great work ethic, and high moral values. An ordained minister, Mrs. Rogers- Erickson is the South Fork Club's Inspirational Chairman and organizes several Pastor Prayer Events throughout the year. She is very active in the Exploring Careers in Health Occupations Academy, which is a local high school program that partners with the Kern Valley Healthcare District and Cerro Coso College. I am thankful to Jeanette for all of her service to our community and I hope that she and her husband Charley enjoy her retirement.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the city of Taft, California, which is celebrating its 100th year of incorporation on Thursday, October 14, 2010. The city of Taft is located in the southwestern part of the San Joaquin Valley, and has quite a unique history. Named after our 27th President, William Howard Taft, starting in the late 1800s oil was discovered in the western San Joaquin Valley and overnight an oil town was born. The oil that was discovered was in the now-famous Midway- Sunset region and Buena Vista Hills, and by 1910 Taft had officially become a fixture within Kern County. Standard Oil was one of Taft's primary employers and helped lay Taft's foundations by building numerous construction businesses, a machine shop, numerous supply shops, bunkhouses for workers, and dozens of company homes for employees. As one of the only towns remaining in the United States which exists solely because of nearby oil reserves, Taft has a rich historical connection to our County and the history of our Nation's domestic natural energy production. The operational activities within the oil fields surrounding Taft have been the economic lifeblood of the city for over 100 years. From the remnants of old wooden oil derricks, to the historic Taft Fort, Taft has become a hallmark of the prosperity and endurance that has distinguished our County's industries and progress. State Highway 33 is now called the Petroleum Highway because of legislation that I initiated when I was a State Assemblyman representing the 32nd district of California to recognize the national resource that has put Taft on the map. In celebration of its oil heritage, Taft holds an event every 5 years called ``Oildorado.'' This year will be the first Oildorado celebration that will consist of 2 weekends and will include many traditions and activities such as the grand parade, Maids of Petroleum Oildorado Queen Pageant, barbecues, dances, a World War II aircraft exhibit, arts and crafts fair, and oilfield skills contests. Also included in this year's Oildorado celebration will be the unveiling and dedication of the Oil Worker Monument, built to honor all the men and women who have worked in the oilfields over the years. Taft has truly developed into a wonderful city of progress and yet through the years has still maintained a familiar, rural atmosphere making Taft a unique and enjoyable community to visit. The city of Taft is a vital component of California's 22nd District, and will continue to remain a place of economic importance and growth for the State of California. I recognize Taft and the members of its community in celebration of the city's 100th year of incorporation.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a community leader, Mrs. Georgie O'Connor, on her retirement after 49 years of service on the Lucia Mar Unified School District Board in Arroyo Grande, California. Georgie O'Connor's family moved to Arroyo Grande in 1928 and she attended Orchard Avenue School. O'Connor and her husband Bill have been married for 67 years and have lived directly across the street from Orchard Avenue School, which is now Arroyo Grande High School, for the past 55 years, where they have raised four sons--Bill, Mike, Pat, and Casey--all of whom attended Arroyo Grande schools. Mrs. O'Connor has the distinction of holding tenure as the longest continually-serving school board member in the State of California. Mrs. O'Connor was first elected to the Arroyo Grande Elementary School District in 1961. In 1965 the district joined other small districts in the southern portion of San Luis Obispo County in unification and became the Lucia Mar Unified School District. During her first 15 years of board service, she was the only female on the board. During her tenure, O'Connor has seen the number of Lucia Mar Unified School District schools grow from 4 to 17; expand to serve grades K-12, and an overall student population grow to 10,500 students. Dedicated to serving her community, Mrs. O'Connor's stewardship and selflessness to the students of Lucia Mar Unified School District will be sorely missed and difficult to replace, but her well-deserved retirement will give her the ability to spend more time with her family. I thank Mrs. O'Connor for her lifetime of board service and dedication to the children of Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo County. I wish her the very best in her future endeavors.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a leading small business in our community, Luigi's Delicatessen, which is celebrating 100 years of operation in Bakersfield, California on October 3, 2010. Originally founded in 1910 as Luigi's and Lemucchi's Grocery by Joe Lemucchi, Luigi's is one of Bakersfield's oldest family owned and operated businesses. The cafe and grocery store reflect the city's rich tradition and in its early days, one could always hear the constant chatter of the different languages that made up the original immigrant community. Joe's son, Louis, later inherited the family business and covered the walls with photos of local athletes that span more than seventy years. These photos have attracted multiple generations of Kern County patrons who return with friends and family to view favorite photos. The same recipes from the cafe, such as Emelia Lemucchi's Bolognese pasta sauce recipe that she brought from Italy, are being used by the current keepers of the legacy, Antonia Valpredo, daughters Monica and Lanette and son Gino--all of whom make up the third and fourth generations of the family. Luigi's is more than just a restaurant in Bakersfield. It is a staple in our community and exemplifies our town's culture. A culture of pride in one's craft is embodied in the pasta and meats prepared. From the receptionist to the wait staff, the friendly atmosphere makes even first time visitors feel like regulars. Luigi's has had a long standing reputation of hospitality, dating back to the early twentieth century, when Joe Lemucchi would rent out small cottages he constructed himself to bachelor Italian immigrants who had just moved into the area. Luigi's is one of Bakersfield's iconic locations, bringing together a community of different backgrounds and perspectives to enjoy delicious cuisine. I have been going to Luigi's my whole life. Growing up in Bakersfield, Luigi's is one of the best restaurants around. I always order a \1/2\ & \1/2\--it is a true taste of Bakersfield, as it is a humble combination of pasta and meat sauce with Luigi's Italian beans. My wife Judy loves Luigi's Monica's Salad. To top it off, everyone must have the Butterfinger Pie for dessert. It is an icy delight that perfectly blends candy bar, ice cream, and biscotti cookie crust to make one of my favorite desserts. Luigi's is a gathering place filled with friendly faces and great food. Luigi's is one of the bedrocks of our small business community that measures success in its loyalty from generations of local customers. It is a family run institution in the Kern County community and I thank Luigi's for its 100 years of service to the people of Bakersfield, and wish them the very best in the next 100 years.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an airport in my community that has been at the forefront of aerospace milestones. Mojave Air and Space Port, located in Mojave, California, is celebrating 75 years of service and cutting edge innovation this upcoming September 18, 2010.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this conference report. You know, at a time when California has 12.4 percent unemployment, and my district's even higher at 16.5 in my home county of Kern County, my constituents are asking me, What is being done to create jobs? For the folks that have been following this debate today, this is just another example of Washington not listening to their concerns. Instead of policies that promote private sector job growth, this bill would create more government. This bill before us today would create a new bureau at the Federal Reserve with sweeping authority and a budget to create plenty of new government jobs in Washington, D.C. It also creates a new office of Financial research, empowered to collect personal information about all of our international transactions. This office can actually issue subpoenas to get the information these unelected bureaucrats want to have about us. But aside from the personal concerns we may have about this, what is being done to help create a private sector job? Well, this is not job creation for families in my district. This is just part of the majority's continuation of an overreach and expansion of government. First, it was the $787 billion stimulus that failed to keep unemployment down, then a national energy tax, then a $1 trillion government takeover of health care, and now another expansion of government that will raise costs for consumers and small businesses. Well, Mr. Speaker, Republicans offered an alternative to this report that would have ended bailouts, would have addressed too big to fail and the failures of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; but that was rejected. Congress needs to be focusing on pro-small business policies, policies that make it easier for banks to lend to job creators that are at the heart of our communities, job creators that are at the heart of what we all want, a job-filled recovery instead of a jobless recovery. Unfortunately, this conference report will do none of these things, and I urge a ``no'' vote.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. As I listened, I remembered last week as we sat on this floor thinking this bill would come together, but the backroom deal was not done. As I started the speech, thinking of the Goddess of Justice, and I go through this bill, the blindfold is taken off and the thumb is put on the scale to weigh to one side. This does not honor the First Amendment. This does not honor the fairness of what this building represents. I ask for a ``no'' vote.

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Chairman, just a block away from this Capitol stands the Supreme Court. Like many other courthouses across this country, it bears the image of the Goddess of Justice. Many of you know the statue. She holds a set of scales symbolizing the fairness and equality of law. She wears a blindfold symbolizing impartiality. Unfortunately, this bill does not represent either of those issues. Like so many other bills this House Democratic leadership has forced onto the floor, this bill suffers the same taint. The provisions in this bill are a result of backroom negotiations and special deals to exempt some powerful interest groups at the expense of smaller ones. But the unfortunate thing about this bill today is rather than respecting the First Amendment promise to protect the speech of all Americans, it attempts to use the First Amendment as a partisan sledgehammer to silence certain speakers in favor of others, especially unions. Mr. Chairman, this bill bans corporations with government contracts over $10 million from political speech. The sponsor says that is because those contractors might try to influence decisions by government officials. But this bill does nothing for the labor unions who are parties to collective bargaining agreements with the government. Even though unions have huge amounts of money at stake and every incentive to influence decisions about the contracts by government officials, it does nothing. We offered an amendment to uphold fairness and equality, but that was rejected in committee. A second example, Mr. Chairman, is we all agree that foreign citizens shouldn't influence our elections, whether they are foreign citizens that are part of the foreign corporation, or foreign citizens that are part of a union with interests in the United States. This bill requires CEOs to certify, under penalty of perjury, that their companies are not foreign nationals, under the newly expanded standard of the bill. But the bill does nothing to ensure that when labor unions are spending money on elections, that money did not come from people who are themselves prohibited from spending money to influence American elections. Again, we offered an amendment to treat corporations and unions equally under the bill by requiring the same certification of labor union chiefs, but again, it was rejected. Mr. Chairman, a third example: I point to the centerpiece provision of this bill, the so-called disclosure requirement. The bill requires organizations to disclose information about the individuals who gave more than $600. But the Federal Election Committee asked everybody else to do it at $200.

Mr. McCARTHY of California. As one of the majority members of our committee asked, Where did that number come from? Well, it is just high enough to make sure that unions will not have to report any of their dues, because as you see, the average for a union is $377 in 2004, so it treats them different than we treat every other American and every other campaign. So while candidates and political parties have to itemize contributions from donors above $200, we have a different rule in this bill, a rule apparently designed for the convenience of unions. Again, we offered an amendment to make this disclosure requirement the same as how all Federal laws have long required disclosure of donors to candidates and political parties, but again, it was rejected. Rather than spending time today listening to Americans and addressing the number one priority in this country, helping to create jobs and grow our economy, again and again I watch this Congress mired in its own partisan priorities. I listened to the gentleman from Maryland. He happens also to be the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Committee.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Warren J. Baker, an educational leader from San Luis Obispo, California, which I represent, on his retirement after nearly a half century of service to higher education, including the past 31 years as the President of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly. A geotechnical engineer by training, Warren has had many experiences that helped enhance his leadership abilities before joining Cal Poly as President, including teaching at the University of Detroit as a Chrysler Professor, and later serving as Dean of the College of Engineering and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Warren became the Cal Poly President in 1979. Throughout his tenure, he initiated many improvements at the University, raising Cal Poly's profile, particularly in the fields of Architecture, Agriculture and Engineering. Under Warren's leadership, the educational opportunities of students significantly expanded with the addition of 20 new majors and 72 minors and 15 new master's degree programs. In addition, over this period Cal Poly established the Irrigation Training and Research Center, the Environmental Biotechnology Institute, the Dairy Products Technology Center, the Collaborative Agent Design Research Center, and the Brock Institute for Agricultural Communication. Throughout his tenure, Warren and his team found creative ways to support student success, including funding $1 billion in state-of-the art laboratories, buildings and other facilities establishing Cal Poly as one of the nation's premier comprehensive polytechnic universities. Always seeking to provide for Cal Poly's future, Warren's leadership of the University's first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign was the most successful in the history of the California State University system. Cal Poly has the largest endowment among the CSU's 23 campuses. He also created the President's Cabinet where leaders from industry, government, and community act as an advisory board to help the University determine strategic educational and financial plans. Perhaps Warren's most enduring contribution to Cal Poly's excellence has been his steadfast support for--and careful nurturing of--the University's renowned ``learn-by-doing'' educational experience, which attracts students from all around the country. This learning approach requires students to apply classroom theory to real-world problems. Employers from a broad array of America's most prestigious companies aggressively recruit Cal Poly students because they graduate with real- world experience and can contribute innovative solutions to complex problems. It's no wonder that under Warren's leadership Cal Poly has been recognized as one of the best public universities in the United States for 17 consecutive years by U.S. News and World Report. Educational advancement is a central priority for Warren, even in his private life. He is one of the longest serving members of the California Council for Science and Technology. He also co-chairs the Business Higher Education Forum's Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiative that is responsible for two significant reports on K-12 science and math education. Additionally, Warren co- chairs a California STEM education planning initiative and is a member of the Board of Governors of the U.S.-Mexico Science Foundation, which promotes programs in technology, research, science, math and engineering education for both countries. President Ronald Reagan appointed him to serve on the National Science Board and the U.S. Agency for International Development Board for International Food and Agricultural Development. Dedicated to serving his community, Warren's leadership at California Polytechnic State University will be sorely missed and difficult to replace, but his well-deserved retirement will give him the ability to spend more time with his wife Carly Fitzsimons Baker, their family and their friends. Warren's level of dedication to higher education continues to be exemplified through his commitment to remain active at Cal Poly and in the California State University System. I commend his service in San Luis Obispo, and I know that Warren will enjoy this next chapter of his life.

Mr. McCARTHY

Mr. McCARTHY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bakersfield National Cemetery located in Kern County, California. The Bakersfield National Cemetery opened in July of last year and we will all be honoring veterans at the cemetery's first Memorial Day this weekend. This cemetery will serve as a final resting place for our veterans and their family members for many years to come. The Bakersfield National Cemetery covers more than five hundred acres and includes full-casket gravesites, pre-placed crypts, in-ground cremation sites and columbarium niches. Additionally, the grounds will include a public information center, a maintenance complex, a flag assembly area, a memorial walkway, a committal service shelter, as well as interment areas, plus irrigation and support facilities that will keep the grounds pristine as the final resting place of many of our heroes from the Central Valley of California who have served and sacrificed for our country. It is of the utmost importance that the brave men and women who keep us safe be honored. This cemetery provides solace to the families of service personnel; for others, it will serve as a reminder of the sacrifice that patriots have made, and will continue to make, on behalf of our nation. The Bakersfield National Cemetery is a monument not only to the sacrifice of our local veterans, but also to Kern County's unending commitment to those who serve, and the cause of freedom for all. The Bakersfield National Cemetery is a small token of appreciation for our men and women in uniform who protect the freedoms that we enjoy today, and I am honored today to recognize its first Memorial Day ceremony.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 298 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of legislation I introduced, along with my colleagues Congressman Eric Cantor, Congressman Dave Camp, Congressman Paul Ryan, and Congressman Kevin Brady, that would require the Internal Revenue Service, IRS, to publish certain fiscal information on the Federal government each year and make it available to taxpayers online and when they prepare their taxes. Just like publicly-owned companies in the United States provide information on their finances in annual shareholder reports, I believe the Federal government ought to provide important transparency about the state of our Nation's finances. Taxpayers are like shareholders of the Federal government and ought to have access to similar information on their government. Unfortunately, statistics on Federal government tax revenue, spending, deficits, and debt are often buried in random reports or on government websites and presented in a confusing manner with technical jargon or confusing formats. Why must it be that difficult for Americans to learn about what their government is doing with their money? It should not be, and this is the purpose of the Informed Taxpayers' Federal Government Annual Reporting Act. Specifically, this bill would require the IRS to publish a chart on government finances to be included in the instruction booklets taxpayers use when filing their income taxes each April and post this chart on the IRS online homepage. The chart would be broken down into three sections. The first section, ``Current Federal Government Finances,'' would be required to include current Federal tax revenue, spending, deficits, and public debt statistics. ``Federal Government Finances & You,'' the second section, would include per capita data, such as each taxpayer's share of the national debt. And the last section, ``Projected Federal Government Finances,'' would be required to include estimated Federal tax revenue, spending, deficits, and debt over the next ten years as put together by the Congressional Budget Office, CBO. With enactment of the Federal government takeover of health care and the $1 trillion stimulus bill--including interest--it is all the more important for the American people to know what their government is doing and how this impacts our nation as whole. These policies have contributed to the current amount of taxes, spending, deficit, and debt, which are all in the trillions of dollars. Unfortunately, it seems in Washington that trillion has become the new billion. The Federal government takes in over $2 trillion in tax revenue annually, but even with that incredible amount of taxpayer dollars flowing into the government, this Congress and the President continue to spend with borrowed money--$1.4 trillion last year. This means Washington spent almost $3.5 trillion. And this year, it does not look that much better with deficits projected to be $1.5 trillion, according to the Office of Management and Budget. With all this runaway spending, the Federal debt continues to grow, and CBO projects it to be $13.2 trillion this year. These numbers are not only shocking, but unsustainable. The Informed Taxpayers' Federal Government Annual Reporting Act is designed to build upon fundamental tenets of American democracy of transparency and openness in government by helping ensure that all Americans have access to easy-to-understand information on how their tax dollars are being used by their government.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, this is the people's House, and we were sent here to represent people throughout America. Some are actually in the gallery, some have been marching around this building, some are sitting at home watching on TV. Or they're in their car driving back from church, and many of them have been calling this Congress. And they've been asking one thing, Why does Washington refuse to listen? They see what many on this side of the aisle see, the arrogance of Washington. We are here to represent our constituents, which is why we are asking, Why are we voting on a health care bill today that empowers government instead of the people? Survey after survey demonstrates the great unpopularity of today's bill. Not only the substance of it, but the trickery, the deals and the shortcuts that led us to where we are today. But this bill is being pushed through because the majority in this Congress refused to listen to the people. The Speaker has even said that she believes that we have to pass this bill so people can find out what's in it. The logic here is, Washington knows better than the people. All this at a time when Washington is borrowing 43 cents out of every dollar it spends, adding to our national debt, mortgaging our children's future. And this $2.4 trillion bill will steal even more money from our children's futures at a time when this administration and Congress are poised to run up the debt more than any other administrations combined. It doesn't have to be this way. We could have easily found a positive bipartisan agreement on commonsense health care reforms that reduce the costs, increase competition and increase access, all without raising the debt. Today is a legacy vote for Members of this people's House, and I urge my colleagues to start over and craft the bill to solve the problem.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, just last week I was listening to the Speaker talk about health care. She said--and I had to actually look it up in the transcripts because I couldn't believe what I heard--Madam Speaker, Speaker Pelosi said, ``We have to pass it so you can see what's in it.'' Well, she was wrong then, and she is wrong now. The Democratic majority in this people's House is not listening to the people. Americans do not want this bill. How do we know this? Well, because in my own town halls last summer, which I had in Bakersfield, California, and Paso Robles, more than 5,000 constituents turned out just to say that. And it is not just because they don't know what's in the bill. They get it. They don't like it. They don't like the political payoffs, the job-killing tax hikes, the huge cuts in Medicare; and most of all, they don't like Washington running their health care. Maybe that's why this House Democratic majority is poised to use the parliamentary procedure to pass this bill without an actual vote. By doing this, the House majority will prove, once again, they are not listening. It's time for a new direction. Scrap the bill and start over.