A group of moderate Republicans are considering joining Democrats to prevent a government shutdown after Sep. 30, The Hill reported.

At least three Republican representatives, Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), are open to signing a discharge petition. This petition can force a vote against the Speaker’s wishes.

Four members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus introduced a short-term stopgap funding bill last Friday. Fitzpatrick suggested that the discharge petition could be used to compel a vote on this legislation.

Members of two other centrist blocs, the Republican Governance Group and New Democrat Coalition are also exploring ways to keep the government open, including through a continuing resolution.

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Signing a discharge petition from an opposing party is politically risky. But the intensified public discussion about this last-resort option underscores the pressure lawmakers are facing to prevent a shutdown at the end of the month.

The proposed moderate blueprint would fund the government at current spending levels until Jan. 11, 2024. It also includes billions for Ukraine and disaster relief and provisions to expel illegal immigrants and stabilize federal debt.

“We’re going to do whatever it takes to get that bill on the floor,” Fitzpatrick stated, citing multiple options, including the discharge petition.

Lawler also expressed belief that at least five Republicans would be willing to join the effort.

However, utilizing a discharge petition to force a vote on a bipartisan stopgap bill is a long-shot option with strict requirements and time constraints.

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