House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, a noted opponent of federal spending, has come out against deficit-funded federal aid for his district in Virginia, despite Republican Governor Bob McDonald’s request for said aid. “All of us know that the federal government is busy spending money it doesn’t have,” remarked Cantor while surveying damage in Culpepper, Virginia. Indeed, in a stop elsewhere, Cantor laid the responsibility for disaster funding on Virginia residents, despite the rarity of earthquakes in the state, “Obviously, the problem is that people in Virginia don’t have earthquake insurance.”
As it turns out, the people of Virginia aren’t so keen on that assessment. Mary Clarke serves as vice mayor of Louisa, Virginia, the epicenter for Tuesday’s earthquake, and one of the towns in Cantor’s district. “I don’t agree with his thinking on this,” said Clarke in a phone interview, “Does he think people are independently wealthy and can pay for repairs themselves?” She then noted Cantor’s previous opposition to stimulus money for Louisa, before asking, “Who are you going to help if you don’t help those who can’t help themselves?”
If Cantor’s record is any indication, he plans to help wealthy Americans, powerful corporations, and others who don’t need assistance from the federal government. As for his constituents in Louisa, they should check in with Cantor if they ever reach a higher tax bracket.
