“If this isn’t an earmark, I don’t know what is.”

Last night Eric Cantor spoke on the floor in objection to a single “backroom deal” provision stuck into the Farm bill that only benefits a wealthy few. This $200 million EARMARK was so narrowly crafted that the bonds authorized in it can only be used for ONE piece of land mostly in Montana, and only by ONE wealthy land owner, timber giant Plum Creek. Under the provision, the Nature Conservancy would be allowed to issue $500 million in bonds and then use the proceeds to purchase the land from Plum Creek. This transaction will cost taxpayers $200 million dollars.

Eric brought up the serious flaws of this provision by highlighting the state of our economy. He asked, “What in the world are we doing here contemplating the expenditure of $200 million in U.S. taxpayer money to fund the purchase of a single tract of land that benefits just one wealthy landowner, all the while American families are struggling with skyrocketing gas prices, food prices through the roof, plummeting home prices, and an economy that is barely growing?”

This $200 million earmark is exactly what’s wrong with Washington and why the American people are screaming for change. It is time for the Federal Government to start working for the American people again.

Read today’s Washington Times Op/Ed by Rep. Eric Cantor

“Congress, the Fed and the Treasury, charged with keeping a stable currency, can drive down the price of oil and alleviate the pain for American consumers by making a commitment to stabilize and strengthen the dollar.”

There was an interesting article out of the Times Dispatch yesterday…

This new “Transit Proposal” is nothing but a tax hike on Virginia families. Each of the 3 individual proposals includes a tax increase, the worst of which is a tax on gasoline. Everyone has seen gasoline prices increase more than $1.25 in Virginia over the last 17 months. Young, working families are paying an extra $15 -$20 each time they fill up their gas tank- money that could go toward their grocery bill due to escalating food prices. Raising the gas tax during an unstable economy when prices are already sky rocketing is just punishing Virginia families who are already hurting. Gas prices are expected to reach $4 by summer time, affecting our commutes, food budgets and vacation plans—none of us need any more pain at the pump.

While some are seeking to increase the cost of gas, Republicans, including Sen. John McCain are trying to lower it. We’re are trying to extend tax breaks and credits to the American people, not increases. In addition, as a nation we need to dedicate ourselves to investing in wind, solar and nuclear energy to wean off our dependence on foreign oil.

Rich Cohen profiled Eric Cantor for the latest edition of the National Journal

“44-year-old first elected to the House in 2000, is emerging as his chamber’s most outspoken and active supporter of Sen. John McCain’s presidential campaign. The only Jewish Republican in the House, Cantor has assumed a pivotal role in helping the McCain campaign build support—and raise money—in the Jewish community. And Cantor quite likely has his sights set even higher. As chief deputy whip for House Republicans, Cantor is a party stalwart and conservative leader.”

As Chairman of the 2008 Victory Jewish Coalition, Eric Cantor will lead outreach efforts to the Jewish community on behalf of Senator John McCain and the RNC. Fred Zeidman will serve as Co-Chair.

“Senator McCain has a long and proud pro-Israel record, and he understands that as one of our nation’s closest allies, Israel deserves our aid and support. Eric and Fred will play a critical role in sharing John McCain’s message, record, and vision with the Jewish community,” said Lew Eisenberg, Victory 2008 Finance Chairman.

Read more about it here

In case you missed it, Bob Rayner had some nice things to say about Eric Cantor today.

“As a member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, Cantor brings the clout and experience on economic and tax issues that many believe McCain lacks. He was a businessman before being elected to the House in 2000 and has been an eloquent spokesman for pro-growth policies ever since.”

This Just In: Stuart Roy at The Hill’s Pundits Blog agrees