Representative Eric Cantor weighs in on GOP plans, tax cuts and future free trade agreements

Natalie Gonnella

Soon to be House Majority Leader Eric Cantor spoke to the WSJ’s Robert Thompson about GOP plans for the 112^th Congress.

On the Republicans' approach to 2011, Cantor commented:

 I think it's important that Congress say no to anti-business, anti-growth regulation. But at the same time, we've got to go about putting in place signals and policies that are incentives for capital formation.  Ultimately, we've got to lower the price of risk for all of you.

Speaking further in the interview with regard to trade and the economy, Cantor said:

I think that you can count on a Republican-led House to push some free-trade bills this session, because we believe very strongly that there are a lot of jobs to be gained if we can get back on track toward free trade. Now, politically that also means we've got to address the sense of fair trade, making sure that we are applying the rules under which the international community engages in multilateral or bilateral trade. That seems to be the political challenge that we've got, because somehow, the electorate, especially in the states that have suffered manufacturing losses, seem to think that all that's happening is growth of jobs overseas without any sense of job growth at home.

In addition to the excerpts above, Cantor also contributes insights on tax cuts, deficit reduction and the future of the retirement age. The full interview can be read here.