McCarthy: fighting legislation that would restrict credit and entrepreneurship

 Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, talks about the week on Capitol Hill. In his own words:

 "Last Sunday I attended the league opener for the League of Dreams basketball season with my son Connor, who is a volunteer with the organization.  League of Dreams is a great initiative that believes “every child should have a chance to play".  Children with all types of disabilities can come and play basketball. If you would like to attend and cheer on our local kids come by on Sundays at 1 pm at Silver Creek Park - the season goes through November 15. 

"As the stock market made some gains, the House Financial Services Committee that I serve on began considering bills that could restrict America’s choice in how they save and invest.  After being approved by committee, these two bills – regulating over-the-counter derivatives and the creation of a new government agency – would then be brought to the full body for a vote.  During the committee proceedings, I asked my colleagues to put aside partisanship and consider the power of the idea in regards to amendments.  Both sides of the aisle agreed we need consumer protection, but remained divided by philosophical differences on how to do this.  As unemployment inches closer to 10%, we should not pursue legislation that could restrict credit and entrepreneurship.  When starting my own small business – Kevin O’s Deli – years ago, I used credit cards and other credit sources to start that small business. My risk paid off, as I sold my business and was able to pay for my college education.   As we look to significantly regulate our financial system, Congress must be forward thinking and carefully consider the direction we want our country to go. 
 "Also, this week on the House floor I joined my San Joaquin Valley colleagues by pushing for change in a San Francisco Bay water recycling program to include an amendment to turn the pumps on to nourish our local economy.  On the floor I asked Speaker Pelosi and the Democratic leadership to stop ignoring our proposed common sense solutions and help our struggling farmers and ranchers get the water they need.  Our provisions would help create jobs and alleviate the man-made drought ruining our Central Valley. 
Continuing the call to fix the behind-closed-door bill writing in this Congress, I cosponsored a resolution this week that would require House committees to post all bills and amendments online within 24 hours of adoption.  These changes would keep committee members and their staff from adding undeclared or “phantom amendments” in secret after the bill has already been approved by the committee. 
 "Next Saturday, October 24^th, my office will host an Academy Forum in Bakersfield at the Kern County Board of Supervisors office, from 2:00-3:30pm.  Last weekend we hosted one in Atascadero for students from San Luis Obispo County interested in attending any U.S. Service Academies.  Military training is excellent preparation for any future job and is highly sought after by today’s employers.  All those interested in attending, send an email to: RSVP.McCarthy@mail.house.gov or call my district office at 327-3611.