With spending in Washington out-of-control, I want to share a new initiative House Republicans have launched. “You Cut” is a website designed to get input from Americans across the nation on where they want to see spending cuts. The site received 281,000 responses in the first week. Each week individuals can vote to cut spending on five different programs. House Republicans have committed to bringing the top vote-getter to a vote in the House the following week. Yesterday, the House voted on the first “You Cut” winner, legislation to eliminate a recently created $2.5 billion annual welfare emergency fund. However, House Democrats voted down the proposal on a party line vote.

Nonetheless, this is an excellent initiative and exactly what Washington needs. The American people are tired of Washington ignoring their concerns about runaway spending and fiscal insanity. Republicans are listening to Americans and are ready to lead the way back to fiscal responsibility. There is far too much waste, fraud, and abuse that goes on in government spending and I am truly encouraged by the overwhelming participation in ‘YouCut.’ We are telling people that they are the ones with the power to truly change the culture of spending simply by making their voices heard. Our future prosperity is on the line and it is essential that we look out for our children and grandchildren by tightening our belts.

Although the first ‘You Cut’ program was rejected by House Democrats, I know it is only a matter of time before we break through. I encourage you to go online and vote on ‘YouCut.’ Each week House Republicans will demand a vote on a new spending cut initiative based on what the people think. And with each measure we offer, we hope to force the Democrat-controlled Congress to confront realities of our fiscal situation and make the tough choices we need to live within our means.