they have been told how to do it

now whether or not congress does it, is another thing. they could have a surplus by 2012, if they choose, but that's not what they want. God forbid, a surplus would mean the wrong people getting the money.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office announced yesterday that the only way there will be a budget surplus by 2012 is if Bush's tax cuts are not extended. If Congress extends these cuts, the deficit will reach almost $400 billion by 2016. Including all the separate variables, the deficit is likely to be around $360 billion this year.
--source