Illinois U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk cautioned Congress about a new committee that will fight the federal deficit.

Republicans and Democrats have selected nine of the committee’s 12 members. Kirk said he’s worried the committee won’t be in a position to compromise.

“I worry about this joint commission that it may be too partisan,” Kirk said. “One idea that I know will never have a chance would be to have the Democratic leaders to appoint the Republicans and the Republicans leaders appoint the Democrats, so that the people who played best in the sandbox would then take on the work of this joint committee.”

Kirk urged President Obama to end the congressional recess so legislators can get the new debt committee ready by Monday.

Congress is not scheduled to return to work until after Labor Day.