McCarthy: Small business is the engine of growth, and we need to free it from regulations

Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, gives us his view from Capitol Hill.

 "Christmas is just two days away and the New Year is right around the corner. I know many of us are gathering with our families and loved ones to celebrate the holiday season, to reflect on the past year and
to look forward to the hope of a new one. This Wednesday, I had the honor to meet with Elmer Wielenga and his family to present him with a long overdue award that he deserves: a Purple Heart for his valor
during the Korean War. We are truly grateful to have heroes like him in our community.

 Members of our community don’t have to be reminded that 2011 has had its challenges, but we have fought throughout this year to fundamentally change the culture of Washington and make it more responsive and transparent to the American public. We have taken action to cut spending and reduce our debt and to repeal onerous regulations so small businesses can create jobs for people looking to get back to work.

 "Right now, there are more than 25 House-passed bills that would have a significant impact on job creation and economic growth that are stalled in the Senate. These bills, among other things, would boost America’s energy security and foster job creation, put EPA regulations in check to ensure industries would not be crippled by overzealous rules, and open new doors for small business owners and entrepreneurs to access the funding they need to expand, innovate and hire. It is also important to note that every single one of these bills passed the House with bipartisan support. Getting them passed was the first step and compelling Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to bring them to the Senate floor will continue to be a top priority in the new year.

 "I have often said that it is the private sector – the innovators, the risk-takers and the small business owners – that will bring our country and economy back stronger than ever. That remains the case. We all saw that the government spending nearly $1 trillion on a stimulus did not result in the employment changes that were promised. That’s because the government doesn’t create jobs, the private sector does.
That is why empowering the private sector to start investing and hiring by increasing certainty that new taxes and unnecessary regulations won’t be waiting around every corner is more important than ever. My colleagues and I have taken real action to try and do just that, and in 2012, I will continue to fight to get our nation on the road to prosperity.
 "I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!