Texas House of Representatives Grinds to a Halt
AUSTIN — Business in the Republican-dominated Texas House screeched to a halt in its third week of a special legislative session Monday when Democrats no-showed a critical vote on a GOP-driven plan to redraw congressional districts to further conservatives’ agenda in Washington.
The Texas House sent state troopers to look for them in all corners of the state after House Speaker Dustin Burrows was unable to call a vote on House Bill 4, by Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi.
A roll call shortly after 3 p.m. revealed that there were only 90 state representatives on the House floor – 10 short of the number legally required to do official business, such as vote on legislation. Those who stayed behind were allowed to leave the chamber while the House stood in recess until 1 p.m. on Tuesday.
The Reason Behind the Disruption
“Come back and fulfill your duty, because this House will not sit quietly while you obstruct the work of the people,” Burrows said in remarks from the House floor.
Burrows did not reveal the number of representatives who showed up, but thanked them in remarks from the floor and blasted the “dereliction of duty” shown by those who left.
The bill in question, HB 4, would shift five congressional districts in Texas from Democrat to Republican – a desire of President Donald Trump as he hopes to maintain control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections.
Democrats say it’s illegal and marginalizes voters of color.
Democrats’ Perspective
‘We’re happy to go back to the state of Texas this afternoon if the priority is flood relief,” said State Rep. Rafael Anchía, D-Dallas, speaking to The Dallas Morning News near Chicago. “But what we don’t want to do is participate in an illegal act of violating the Voting Rights Act.”
On motions from Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, and more than a dozen other Republicans, the House voted 86-6 along partisan lines to allow Burrows to sign civil warrants for the Texas Department of Public Safety to start looking for Democrats who may still be in the state.
Five Democrats were on the House floor at roll call and voted against sending troopers after their colleagues.
Consequences of the Quorum Break
The DPS has the authority to compel their return to the House under threat of arrest as long as they haven’t crossed state lines.
“I’m here to work, and I’m very disappointed in my colleagues who are not here to work. It’s very simple,” said Rep. John McQueeny, R-Fort Worth, who is serving his first term in office.
Other Republicans expressed frustration as well, sending videos from the chamber floor and decrying their decision to flee.
Protests and Reactions
Later on Monday afternoon, about one hundred people showed up to protest outside of the Texas Governor’s Mansion. U.S. Democratic Reps. Greg Casar and Lloyd Doggett, who both represent Austin, spoke at the rally.
The map being considered by the Legislature could force Casar and Doggett to face each other in a Democratic primary for the lone Democratic district in Central Texas.
Neither Casar or Doggett addressed the potential primary at the protest. Instead, they applauded the Democrats who left the state in protest of the map.
Conclusion
The situation in Texas is a complex one, with both sides having strong opinions on the matter. The quorum break has brought attention to the issue of redistricting and the potential consequences it could have on the state and the country.
As the special legislative session continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will play out and what the ultimate outcome will be.
FAQs
Q: What is the main reason for the disruption in the Texas House of Representatives?
A: The main reason for the disruption is the Democrats’ refusal to vote on a GOP-driven plan to redraw congressional districts, which they claim is illegal and marginalizes voters of color.
Q: What is the consequence of the quorum break?
A: The consequence of the quorum break is that the Texas Department of Public Safety has the authority to compel the return of the Democrats to the House under threat of arrest as long as they haven’t crossed state lines.
Q: How long is the special legislative session expected to last?
A: The special legislative session is expected to last until August 19.
Q: What is the potential outcome of the redistricting effort?
A: The potential outcome of the redistricting effort is that it could shift five congressional districts in Texas from Democrat to Republican, which could have significant consequences for the state and the country.
