McCarthy: lame duck session is over, time to roll up the sleeves and get to work

 Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) presents his year-end blog. In his words:

 "This week, the House marked the end of a chaotic lame duck session with the passing of a Continuing Resolution (CR) which will keep the federal government operating through March 4, 2011.  On January 5, 2011, the 112th Congress will be sworn in and immediately following I will join my newly elected colleagues on implementing legislation that will provide the common sense solutions our country needs. We have to get America’s economy thriving again so Americans can get back to work.

 "On Monday, I announced my nominations for the United States Service Academies.  Each of the nominees went through a competitive selection process, including an individual interview by the Academy Interview Committee (a committee comprised of local leaders like Monique Rogers, the Corporate Administration and Marketing Director for AARC Technologies and Richard Beene, President and CEO of The Bakersfield Californian).  All of the students nominated displayed the focus, honor and courage necessary to serve our country as future leaders; I commend them for their accomplishments thus far, and wish them well in their future endeavors. From Bakersfield, Mark Van Kopp was nominated to attend the United States Military Academy, in West Point, NY.  Van Kopp is a senior at Bakersfield High School and plans to double major in History and English.  He will also be following in the footsteps of his older brother, 2nd Lt. Samuel Van Kopp, a 2010 West Point graduate.
 "At my office today, I presented Leonard Corwin, a Bakersfield World War II veteran, with an early Christmas gift.   Mr. Corwin served with the 1st Marine Division in the Asia-Pacific on Okinawa, and following his discharge, he never received the proper recognition and medals for his service.  After a request from his family, my office worked hard to ensure Mr. Corwin’s sacrifices were recognized and today I presented him with these prestigious awards. All in all, Mr. Corwin received 7 awards including: the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, China Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the Navy Occupation Service Medal.  Moments like this are priceless, and I am happy my office was able to assist Mr. Corwin in securing this much deserved recognition.  As we celebrate Leonard Corwin’s dedication to our nation, let’s not forgot the men and women around the globe who daily give up so much to defend our nation and our way of life.

 "Thank you for reading my update this week and I hope each of you have time to enjoy this Christmas holiday with your family and friends.  Until next week, I wish all of you a Merry Christmas!