You Cut: Citizens Choose the Spending Cuts
Policy + Politics

You Cut: Citizens Choose the Spending Cuts

In the latest effort to curb government spending, Republican whip Eric Cantor introduced a new program yesterday that will let citizens vote on spending cuts they'd like to see pass in Congress. Starting next Monday, May 17, individuals can vote either online or by text message on one of a designated number of proposed cuts. Later in the week, House Republicans will offer an up-or-down vote on the winning spending cut. The process will be repeated each week.

"We've reached a point where our current debt and deficit levels are hurting our economy and the prospects for job creation and future economic growth," said Cantor in a speech posted this morning on Youtube. "We must begin to replace the culture of spending that now dominates Washington with a culture of savings."

First up? The Presidential Election Fund, taxpayer-subsidized union activities, HUD programs for doctoral dissertations, a new non-reformed welfare program, and economic assistance programs to wealthier communities.

Some are dismissing the program as a gimmick, while others anticipate that it may have an impact.