Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Steve King today introduced legislation to cut runaway federal spending and bring public input into the federal appropriations process. 

The Cut the Unnecessary Tab (CUT) Act would bring transparency, accountability and better control to the federal spending process by bringing every single spending item up for consideration for cuts.

Currently, earmarks can be anonymously slipped into spending bills without the opportunity for Congress to vote on the additional spending. Sometimes, taxpayers do not know about the existence of these earmarks until after the bill has passed, making it too late for taxpayers to have a voice in the process.

The CUT Act allows any Member of Congress to demand a vote on any spending item, even after the appropriations bills become law. Savings from this process are returned to the general fund and cannot be used for new spending. In addition, the bill would make the process open to the public and easily searchable on the internet so Americans can contact their Member of Congress and make their views known before votes.

“American taxpayers have had it with secret earmarks and federal spending with no accountability. I say let the people be the watchdog on their Members of Congress,” said King.