Proposals put forward as a solution include cutting to one the number of commissioners for each of the large states, with some smaller states sharing a commissioner between them.

BBC: Europe: The issues

But he foolishly failed to embrace a long-term budget solution put forward by the bipartisan Simpson-Bowles commission, which he himself appointed.

ECONOMIST: The presidential race one year out

And he has put forward a very reasonable solution to that end.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney,