Mark Kirk: “with a $500 billion deficit, it is clear that Congress must cut spending and reform our budget process. Like our…”

“with a $500 billion deficit, it is clear that Congress must cut spending and reform our budget process. Like our predecessors in the 1980s, we must come together not as Republicans or Democrats but as Americans to share equally in the cuts so that the Federal budget is brought back into balance. We all support a balanced budget. It is the right thing to do, and it is also the moral thing to do. Our Founding Fathers created the Federal Government as a limited institution whose mission was clearly defined. Some things the Federal Government was to do well. Many things were left up to the States. When the Federal budget is out of balance, it calls into question our ability to sustain core Federal functions: defense, Federal law enforcement, and the retirement security of Americans under Social Security and Medicare. I believe the Federal Government should fulfill its current promises to Americans currently in uniform and retirees before making any additional promises. Service in Congress is about making tough choices. For too long we have said, You get yours, I get mine and the kids get the bill. This must end.”