Leaders in the United States House of Representatives went back on their word last night.

Last summer, Congress and the President agreed on a deficit reduction deal that would force equal cuts in defense spending and domestic programs. But yesterday, while you were sitting down to dinner with your family, House leadership pushed a bill through that would dramatically cut feeding programs like SNAP and Meals on Wheels, eliminate hundreds of thousands of kids from basic health coverage, and ensure millionaires continue to enjoy record tax breaks while the rest of us struggle to make ends meet every month.

Congress broke its promise to you, to me, and to the people of Arkansas and the country by cutting programs that help working families in favor of tax cuts for the wealthy and connected. They cut out the middle class but maintained funding for defense contractors and private companies. Rather than splitting the cuts – $100 billion each – this House leadership saved defense completely and TRIPLED the cuts to domestic programs that support the middle class. That’s right. They want you and me to shoulder a $300 billion burden and ask nothing of the defense department or the wealthiest corporations and families in the country.

As if breaking the deal wasn’t bad enough, members of Congress have targeted programs that directly impact kids. With more than 20 percent of Arkansas children living in poverty and even more struggling with food insecurity, Congress decided to cut funding to programs that lift families out of poverty and create chances for economic security. More than 15,000 kids are on the waiting list for subsidized child care, but Congress decided to cut funding for that program. That means fewer options for working moms and dads, potentially taking them out of the workforce altogether.

Tell Congress that you believe a deal is a deal. In Arkansas we still put a premium on trust. A person’s word is his or her bond. Unfortunately the House leadership doesn’t believe that. They believe they can change the deal while you aren’t looking.

Congressmen Rick Crawford, Tim Griffin, and Steve Womack all voted with their party leaders to violate the deal they agreed to in August of last year. Congressman Mike Ross voted to keep his word. They all need to know that you know how they voted. You need to make sure others in your own network know, too.

Please take time to share this with five of your friends today. Talk about it with your friends and family. And be sure to tell your Congressman that you know how he voted. If you agree that breaking a promise sets a bad example and violates your trust, let him know. If you live in Mr. Ross’s district, take time to thank him for keeping his word.