Cantor launches ‘Citizen CoSponsor’ Facebook app

{mosads}The app also allows users to read the full text of legislation.

“We are dedicated to modernizing the way Congress connects with the American people,” Cantor said in a statement. “Citizen CoSponsor breaks ground by directly connecting people with the work the House is doing every day. With the simple click of a button, Citizen CoSponsors will become a part of the deliberative process, using the same social networks they already rely on in their everyday lives.”

Users are able to currently follow just six House bills, but an aide to Cantor said the platform will be expanded as users interact with it.

On Twitter, Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer’s (Md.) staff said they liked the idea of the app, but asked Cantor’s office, “Why did you re-write the bill titles and descriptions in an entirely partisan way?”

Hoyer’s staff, tweeting from @HoyerPress, called Citizen CoSponsor “another partisan gimmick under the guise of open government.” 

In response, Cantor’s office noted that one of the six bills available on the app is sponsored by Democratic Rep. Al Green (Texas).

“Feel free to sponsor his bill or sign up!” @CantorPress tweeted.

Laena Fallon, a spokeswoman for Cantor, said the app is still in its “very first stage” and that the office may eventually include more Democratic legislation.

“If the Democrats bring up something that has bipartisan support, it’s something that we’d consider,” she said. 

—Updated at 6:44 p.m.