text: The sequestration cuts set to take place today are an unfortunate symptom of a greater problem, which is our governmentÛªs failure to act to find bipartisan solutions to the critical issues we face.  We need to address our debt and cut spending, but we need to do it in a responsible way, not with debilitating across the board cuts that will set back our economic progress and cause deep cuts in places where we canÛªt afford it. I am very disappointed that Congressional Leadership has chosen to convene Congress less than half of the working days this year, rather than working out the details of a grand bargain based on shared sacrifice.  ItÛªs clear that Americans are fed up with the partisan gridlock and governing by crisis and so am I.  ItÛªs time for Congress to come together and take action to replace these potentially devastating cuts with a responsible and balanced alternative.