Lujan Signs Petition to Force a Vote that Would End Government Shutdown

Press Release

Congressman Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico's Third District announced today that he has signed a petition to reopen the government. This effort launched by House Democrats would force an up or down vote on a clean continuing resolution which would end the government shutdown when a majority of the House, 218 members, sign on to the petition.

Despite the fact that 200 hundred Democrats have said they would compromise on the clean continuing resolution passed by the Senate and more than 20 Republicans have said they too would vote for the bill, Speaker John Boehner has repeatedly refused to allow a vote. The discharge petition would allow an up or down vote on a clean continuing resolution, providing funding through November 15 at a level requested by Speaker Boehner.

"For nearly two weeks, I have called on Speaker Boehner to allow a vote on a clean bill that will end the government shutdown, put New Mexicans back to work, and make sure that our communities receive the vital services that for too long have been delayed," Congressman Luján said. "These calls have fallen on deaf ears as Speaker Boehner has ignored the impact that the shutdown is having on families across the country. As the shutdown has dragged on, we've heard more and more moderate Republicans who are fed up with the extreme elements of their party that have caused this shutdown. It is time for them to stand up, back up their words with action, and join Democrats in this effort to force a vote on legislation that will reopen the government."

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