Washington – John Engler, President of the Business Roundtable, an association of CEOs representing every sector of the economy, today released the following statement on Senate passage of a bill to reopen the government and raise the debt ceiling:

“Now that the U.S. Senate has passed a bipartisan agreement to end the government shutdown and raise the federal debt ceiling, America’s business leaders strongly urge the House to follow suit immediately. 

“The government shutdown and flirtation with default have dealt a severe and entirely avoidable blow to America’s reputation around the world while harming economic growth and job creation. It is essential that policymakers make use of this temporary reprieve to enact budget and tax policies that will boost our tepid economic recovery, put more Americans back to work and address the nation’s long-term fiscal challenges.

“We are very hopeful that the Conference Committee will succeed in writing a national budget that returns the focus in Washington to necessary Medicare and Social Security reform coupled with pro-growth policies including comprehensive tax reform and immigration reform. Business leaders stand ready to work with the President and Congress to swiftly enact these policies.

“A robust, growing economy is the surest means to reducing deficits and shoring up America’s long-term finances. It’s time for the President and Congress to get to work.”