McCarthy: simplify the tax code, cut spending and reform entitlement programs

 House Majority Whip Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) gives us his weekly report from Congress. In his words:

"This week in Bakersfield, we celebrate the homecoming of two local heroes, Lance Corporal Josh Brubaker and First Lieutenant Sam Van Kopp. The outpouring of support and the huge crowds that showed up to welcome these two brave men home reflect the remarkable community that we live in.  Veterans and families across Kern County, many who did not know these heroes personally, came to thank them for their service, sacrifice, and dedication to our nation. As we reflect on the sacrifices these men have made, let us also remember the men and women in uniform that continue to defend us and are not home with their loved ones during this holiday season.

"Also this week, many other parents are welcoming their children and family home from around the country as the holiday season begins. I know Judy and I are excited  that our son Connor will be coming home from college and joining us and our daughter Meghan for Christmas. As we think about Christmas, our families and our families’ future, we cannot ignore the burdens that our growing national debt poses to our children and to hardworking families in our communities.

 "Like all parents, we want to ensure that our children grow up in an America where their opportunities are limitless, not limited. We want a future that is not burdened by debt but emboldened by opportunity – when my children were still both in high school a couple of years ago, their shares of the national debt were $45,000 each. If this trend of growing debt continues, by the time they begin their own families, their individual share, and that of their children, will have grown to $100,000. That is both unacceptable and unsustainable. We need to cut spending and pay down our national debt. The numbers show that if we do nothing, every federal tax dollar will be consumed by our entitlement programs which will soon be insolvent if nothing is done.

 "It’s time for all sides to get serious in averting the fiscal cliff before the end of the year and prevent the permanent $4 trillion tax hike on January 1st that every American faces. We cannot negotiate with ourselves.  Throughout our community, we all know mothers and fathers who continue to give up scarce family time working overtime to provide for their children. Parents not only work to get their kids out of bed and off to school, but are working harder outside the home to support their families.  American families deserve to keep more of their hard-earned money. To get our fiscal house in order and to reinvigorate our economy, we need to simplify our tax code, cut spending, and reform our entitlement programs. I hope the President and the Senate become willing participants to change the direction of our country.  There’s no better time than the holidays to come together.

"We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!