Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today signed an official House of Representatives petition to force a vote on a bill to reopen the government immediately. If a majority of representatives sign the petition (known as a discharge petition), the House of Representatives would have the opportunity to take an up-or-down vote on a bill to extend government funding.

“The American people deserve to have their entire government open and serving them,” Larsen said. “Republicans shut down the government in a failed effort to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. It’s time for Republican leaders to drop their obstruction and let the House vote to end this manufactured crisis.

“Congress must pass a budget and negotiate an agreement for how we should handle our long-term debt challenge. I continue to support a bold and balanced plan to cut the deficit while making strategic investments in our infrastructure, education and economy that will create jobs and help us grow in the long run.”

The discharge petition for H. Res. 372 would allow an up or down vote on a clean continuing resolution, providing funding through November 15 at a compromise level requested by Speaker Boehner. This discharge petition only needs a majority of House members to sign on. For more information on the discharge petition, click here.