Former governor George Ryan imposed it eight years ago.
The lawmakers and Birkett say the governor shouldn't block capital punishment.
"It's the law of the State of Illinois. It should be enforced," said State Rep. Reboletti, (R) Elmhurst.
"But the moratorium has sent the wrong message. And if the death penalty is a deterrent, it should be a penalty that's actually in place and working," said Birkett.
Birkett stressed that Illinois has implemented capital punishment reforms, such as videotaping confessions by murder suspects.