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When we launched YouCut over a year ago, we could have never imagined how enthused people were by the effort, how engaged they became, and how successful the program would be in achieving its mission of changing the culture of spending into a culture of savings. Millions of votes were cast across the country to encourage the House to cut spending, and that is exactly what we continue to do. Now, as our new majority continues to work to cut spending and grow our economy, it's time to transform YouCut to its next phase. Take a moment to review the options and vote on which spending cut you believe should be sponsored by the YouCut program.
Reduce the number of non-essential vehicles purchased or leased by federal agencies
Potential savings: up to $500 million over 10 years Federal agencies currently own or lease more than 660,000 cars, vans, trucks, busses, and sport utility vehicles. These vehicles consume more than 1 million gallons of fuel per day. The amount federal agencies spend on motor vehicles has increased by more than $1 billion since 2006, with 20,000 more vehicles added to the fleet over that period. The Bowles-Simpson Fiscal Commission final report recommended reducing the number of non-essential vehicles owned or leased by federal agencies other than the Department of Defense or the Postal Service by 20 percent. If adopted, this proposal could save up to $500 million over the next 10 years. |
Terminate federal grants for special services to released convicts
Potential Savings: up to $630 million over ten years The Department of Justice currently makes grants to states, local governments and non-profit organizations to provide mentoring, family and mental health counseling, housing and education programs for persons recently released from prison. Under the Second Chance Act, grants are used to provide an array of social services aimed at reducing potential recidivism among former inmates. However, evaluations of prisoner reentry programs have yet to establish a clear link to positive results. A number of studies reviewed by the Heritage Foundation indicated that the individual programs evaluated were ineffective, with statistically insignificant differences in the re-incarceration rates between program participants and non-participants. In some cases, programs were even found to have increased recidivism. Currently the federal government is spending $63 million annually on prisoner reentry programs. |
Terminate federal subsidies for forestry programs in foreign countries
Potential Savings: up to $80 million over ten years The U.S. Forest Service’s International Forestry Program provides foreign governments with technical assistance and policy development advice to promote sustainable forestry development overseas. The Obama administration recommended terminating the program in its FY 2011 budget because "its international focus is not consistent with the Forest Service's mission to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity" of American forests. Terminating the program would save up to $80 million over 10 years. |
