If you tuned into last week’s episode of “YouCut,” then you may recall that Republicans resorted to underhanded legislative tricks in an attempt to cut much-needed funding from the Temporary Aid to Needy Families program.  This cut would have been another break for the rich at the expense of the poor, instead of providing financial support, job training, and child care subsidies to low-income families with children.  Fortunately, this measure was defeated.

This week, Republicans seek to stall the important business of the House yet again with a new list of proposed cuts.

While the so-called “YouCut” program has been touted by Republicans as a partnership with the American people, a more fitting name for the program would be “CutYou” –because it hurts everyday Americans while doing little to cut the federal deficit.

What Republicans fail to mention is that the “YouCut” program is inherently selective, and therefore biased.  Neither online nor cell phone voters are able to vote to save a program rather than cut it.   Furthermore, the “YouCut” program conveniently targets only those who have internet access and cell phones, which disproportionately leaves out both the poor and the elderly.

Simply put, “YouCut” undercuts our democracy.  The last time I checked, 280,000 votes do not constitute the will of the American people.  Republicans seem to think that this online gimmick is an effective substitute for good governance.  Let them know this: this chamber will not be fooled, or bullied, by the misguided intentions or misleading rhetoric of a few.

Instead of continuing to be the “party of no,” Republicans should say “yes” to the American people and help pass the legislation that this nation needs and deserves.