Approximately 50 Texas Democrats who left the state to postpone votes in their districts have spoken out about their actions.
This comes in light of House Speaker Dustin Burrows expressing frustration after the Texas House was unable to achieve the necessary quorum for the special legislative session, primarily due to the absence of 55 Democrats.
Burrows announced a new policy alongside Kelly Hancock of the Comptroller that stipulates members who are not present cannot access their salaries through electronic means or other typical methods. “The Constitution keeps us from withholding pay,” he remarked, “but it doesn’t specify how to manage wage issuance.” As a result, he mandated that checks need to be collected directly on the Capitol grounds.
In addition, Burrows has initiated a 30% budget cut for the offices of the absent Democrats and requested their return in order to receive funds or dispatch newsletters.
The Democrats missing from the session are also facing a hefty fine of $500 per day for their continued absence. Some have been spotted in places like New York, Illinois, and California.
On Friday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed two lawsuits aimed at reducing funding for absentee Democrats, also seeking to remove some of the most vocal members from the House. He has asked the Texas Supreme Court to declare the status of 13 House seats as illegal absenteeism due to public statements made by members refusing to return.
“These Democrats who left the state have abandoned their responsibilities,” Paxton stated. “They are deliberately hindering the constitutional process and breaking their oath.” He also noted, “This out-of-state rebellion cannot go unchecked; Texas must operate.”
Paxton’s second lawsuit is directed at a political action committee linked to former MP Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas). This committee reportedly covers costs such as airfare and accommodations for state members who are not at home.
The lawsuits assert an intent to fund these Democrats, whom Paxton criticized for allegedly accepting bribes and spending time on personal pursuits far from their responsibilities. “I won’t let a failed political stunt buy off Texas officials; I’ll see you in court,” he declared.
O’Rourke responded to these allegations and confirmed filing his lawsuit directly against Paxton.
The special 30-day legislative session is set to conclude on August 19, but currently, the House is five members short.
Governor Greg Abbott has stated his intentions to push forward with proposals to add five GOP representatives to the U.S. House, even if those missing Democrats continue to disrupt the session. “I will call consecutive special sessions and will provide these maps,” Abbott claimed in a Fox News interview.
Furthermore, he has issued warrants for the missing Democrats and tasked state law enforcement with locating and returning them to the capital.
Reports indicate that the FBI is assisting in the search for the Democrats who have fled the state, as noted by Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas).
