Washington, D.C. – House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) released the following statement on the passing of former President George H.W. Bush:
“A bright point of light has gone out in the world.
“From start to finish, George Bush was a fighter for the cause of freedom. He began his public service in a Navy bomber, where he helped defeat the Axis Powers in World War II. He capped his public service in the Oval Office, where he oversaw the fall of the Berlin Wall and then the Soviet Union.
“In between, Bush worked as an oilman, a job that brought his family to Bakersfield for a brief time, a point of pride for our community. He went on to a distinguished career in public service as a Congressman, U.N. ambassador, envoy to China, CIA director, vice president to Ronald Reagan, and finally president. His life is a model of dignity, effective leadership, and patriotism.
“Bush is reunited in death with his beloved wife of 73 years, Barbara. They leave behind five children who have been formed deeply by their character and example. Two of their sons followed in their father’s footsteps by entering public service at the highest levels, as President and Governor of Florida.
“Judy and I extend our deepest condolences to the Bush family as they mourn the loss of a father, grandfather, and American hero.”