As Congress has mismanaged budgeting for the past several years, the opportunity to alter government’s disastrous fiscal course has narrowed. It still remains, however, an opportunity. The imperative to rein in spending, eliminate deficits, and reduce debt to manageable levels should focus the federal government on the limited responsibilities it must meet and can do well. They should drive Congress to adopt substantive policy reforms, return activities to state and local governments and the private sector, and limit government so the institutions of civil society can prosper. All these will help support America’s exceptional character. The process should start with the budget resolution for FY 2014.