every year we go up in increased spending 7, 8% a year, is that right senator thune? >> in the entitlement programs that probably is right. that's why we have to get entitlement reform undertaken. >> sean: we passed a bill that says we live within the 2011 budget. in other words, this year's budget, which is 1.65 trillion that we didn't take in. we are going to live within that budget for the next six years and decrease it every year just 1%. can you not find a way to manage the deficit and the debt and get our country off risking its aaa bond rating that way? >> absolutely we could do that. it would be reasonable. it would be the kind of steady step-by-step process that could lead us to a balanced budget. it won't be easy. that's most significant than it might appear. but it is doughable. and that kind of thing and that -- but it is doable.