Nov. 9, 2012

Washington, D.C. – The following is a statement by Bipartisan Policy Center Senior Director Steve Bell regarding President Obama’s speech on the fiscal cliff today:

“We congratulate the president for his commitment to work with congressional leaders from both parties to address the fiscal cliff. The request to begin serious negotiations next week is appropriate and should be met with support by both parties.

“The flexibility demonstrated by the president today, combined with Speaker Boehner’s willingness to discuss closing tax loopholes, could lay the groundwork for a bipartisan solution. This is a step in the right direction. Solving our nation’s deficit problems and avoiding the fiscal cliff will require a balanced approach that includes spending cuts, structural entitlement reform and new revenues.

“The president and Speaker Boehner have asserted a strong commitment to their principles while demonstrating considerable openness to how these principles are achieved. We hope this kind of leadership will continue as the negotiations begin next week.”

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Economic Policy Project