What is required from members of Congress and the public alike is a new spirit of devotion to the national welfare beyond party or self-interest.

Families and businesses are tightening their belts to make ends meet - and Washington should too.

As Indiana's governor, I balanced eight budgets, never raised taxes, and left the largest surplus in state history. It wasn't always easy. Cuts had to be made and some initiatives deferred. Occasionally I had to say 'no.

Across the country military families are facing dire financial circumstances due to longer than expected tours of duties. They are being penalized for their patriotism - no one should have to choose between doing right by their country and doing right by their families.

If I could create one job in the private sector by helping to grow a business, that would be one more than Congress has created in the last six months.

Challenges of historic import threaten America's future. Action on the deficit, economy, energy, health care and much more is imperative, yet our legislative institutions fail to act. Congress must be reformed.

We must do all we can to help improve the deplorable human rights situation of the North Korean people.