Rep. Kevin McCarthy: a week in the district, making the rounds

Another weekly update from our local congressman, Rep. Kevin McCarthy. Here's Kevin in his own words:

"This week, it was good to be home in California for a week of meetings and events throughout the district.
On Monday, I attended Memorial Day Services at Union Cemetery and Hillcrest Memorial Park. I am always inspired by these services, and am so grateful to live in a country with men and women who have served and sacrificed defending our freedoms.

"Tuesday morning, I was on KERN radio with Danielle Sullivan and enjoyed taking calls from listeners. We talked about several topics including the California budget, the State Supreme Court decision on Prop 8, and care for our wounded veterans when they return home. Later that afternoon, I interviewed local veteran, Jimmy Gentile, about his experiences in Iraq for the Veterans History Project (www.loc.gov/vets), so that future generations know the sacrifices that were made for our freedom. Tuesday evening I hosted an Identity Theft Prevention Town Hall at the Kern County Board of Supervisors. In case you missed it, KGOV-TV will be reairing it and you can tune in to hear about safeguards to protect against identity theft from the panel of experts. This is a growing problem, and we should all be aware of how to protect ourselves and what to do if our identity is stolen. In fact today, there was report on Channel 29 (KBAK) that identity theft is on the rise in Tehachapi.

"On Wednesday, I spent time doing radio for San Luis Obispo and Kern County. I recorded interviews with King Harris (KVEC, 920AM) and Dick Mason, (KPRL, 1230AM). Then at 3pm I was on live with Ralph Bailey in studio on KNZR, and later called into the Dave Congalton show on KVEC (920AM).

"On Thursday, I was over in San Luis Obispo County with the House Republican American Energy Solutions Group. Congressmen Devin Nunes (CA), Lee Terry (NE), Bob Latta (OH), and I led the Energy Summit at Cal Poly to talk with local and regional renewable energy experts. This was one of several summits held around the country to listen to Americans and discuss energy solutions. Cal Poly was gracious in their hospitability and a great location because they are conducting research to further renewable energy technology development. I tell my colleagues in Congress how fortunate I am to represent communities with abundant renewable energy resources. Great things are going on in San Luis Obispo County and Kern County to harness power from wind, solar, and nuclear energy. The 22nd District ranks as the 4th top wind-energy producing congressional district in the United States, and has some of the best potential for solar power in California. In addition, if Kern County was a state, it would rank 4th in American oil production. Just outside our district is Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, which produces enough energy to power more than 3 million homes in the State. When Congress comes back into session, I will work with my colleagues on the American Energy Solutions Group to craft legislative solutions that will help lower energy prices for American families and small businesses, and put America on a path towards renewable energy and independence.

"Later that afternoon on Thursday, I presented high school students from San Luis Obispo County with the 22nd Congressional District of California Merit Award. The award honors the achievements of our communities best and brightest high school students, and recognizes their positive achievements. Students who will receive the award were nominated by their principals because they have demonstrated academic excellence (having earned a 3.5 GPA or higher), exemplary school citizenship, volunteerism, involvement in extracurricular activities and leadership skills. If you know of a school that did not participate this year, please have the principal contact my district office in Bakersfield for information on how to nominate students for next years merit award.

"Next week, Congress is back in session and it should be a busy week. In the Financial Services Committee we will have several hearings, including a status update on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the mortgage giants and Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSE) currently under government conservatorship.