“Business Roundtable commends President Obama for convening a fiscal responsibility summit, and I look forward to participating in the discourse. This is a critical, cooperative first step to setting achievable fiscal goals and building a framework for long-term deficit reduction, both long-standing priorities of Business Roundtable.

“We have always believed long-term high deficits are a barrier to sustained economic growth. Current economic stimulus measures, which are necessary to avert a prolonged, deep recession, will inevitably increase an already significant deficit in 2009. Given this, we must focus on measures to control future spending, including a comprehensive review of all federal expenditures.

“Specifically, we must address the growth in spending on Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security while ensuring the most vulnerable Americans are protected, adopt measures to make our current regulatory systems more efficient and allow the free market system to grow our nation’s economy.

“U.S. economic policy must focus on keeping our businesses competitive in the world market, which will lead to more and better paying jobs for American workers.”

“With renewed commitment to enacting reform from the ground up, we will ensure sustained, long-term economic growth for our workers, families, communities and companies. We look forward to the dialogue with the President and policymakers and to building a solid economic foundation for our future generations,” said John Castellani, President of Business Roundtable.