NEW YORK — Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, commented today following the release of recommendations by the bipartisan Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform:

“The Joint Select Committee’s recommendations represent a positive bipartisan step that we must build upon going forward. Biennial budgeting has the potential to improve the annual appropriations process and help lawmakers see the big picture.

“While these ideas represent a start, much more can be done to improve our budget process in order to help achieve more fiscally responsible policies.

“Following the mid-term elections, there is both a requirement and an opportunity for our leaders to reach across party lines. The work of this bipartisan committee — including not only its recommendations, but the other policies it explored — can serve as an important beginning for Congressional action. America’s future depends on policymakers in a divided government working together to improve our dangerous fiscal outlook.”