Pocan Signs Petition to Reopen Government

Press Release

Twelve days into the GOP-induced government shutdown that has furloughed Wisconsin workers, threatened the food security of 113,000 Wisconsin women and children, and stalled business for Wisconsin companies, U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) took action today to force a vote to reopen the government. Pocan joined his colleagues in signing a discharge petition that would bypass Speaker Boehner and force the House to vote on a clean continuing resolution to fund the government, which has already been passed by the Senate and according to reports would pass the House. Thus far Speaker Boehner has refused to allow a vote on the legislation, even though it would allow the government to reopen right now.

"We shouldn't have to force a vote to reopen the government, but unfortunately the Tea Party-controlled Republicans continue to be more interested in stomping their feet and holding their breath than doing their jobs," Pocan said. "Furloughed workers in Wisconsin and small business owners don't have time to wait for Speaker Boehner to find the courage to stand up to the extreme wings of his party. We need to reopen the government, raise the debt ceiling and then sit down to negotiate a comprehensive, balanced and long-term budget. And we need to do it right now."

A discharge petition requires the House to consider a piece of legislation once a majority of Members of Congress have signed it. Seven discharge petitions have received 218 signatures over the last 30 years.

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