Texas Representative’s Overnight Stay on Capitol Floor
Texas Representative Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) opted to sleep at her desk in the Capitol after she refused to sign off on documents enabling police escorts to exit the building. The Speaker of the House in Texas made a move to secure arrangements with the Public Safety Bureau for the escorts, aiming to facilitate the exit of Democrats who wanted to return to the Chamber of Commerce if needed.
House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) mandated that on Monday, Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers should finalize an agreement for escorts after lawmakers resumed duties following a two-week quorum break. Collier stood out as the sole Democrat unwilling to agree, ultimately staying in the House overnight.
She had departed the House alongside other Democratic Caucus members nearly two weeks prior, which had effectively disrupted the quorum. This blockade prevented the advancement of a proposed Congressional Rezone Map that had the potential to grant Republicans an additional five seats in Congress. Moreover, it hindered the passage of critical legislation during special sessions called by Governor Greg Abbott, including initiatives aimed at improving flood warning systems in the Texas Hill Country, which has faced severe flooding recently.
Collier mentioned in an interview that she felt “forced” to remain in her office. However, she clarified that the decision not to sign the escort documents was hers alone. House officials eventually permitted her some mobility within the Capitol, allowing her to access her office.
“I have the right to resist, just like Texans have the right to question the government. I stand against these decisions, as that’s what my constituents expect of me,” Collier stated.
Upon her return, the Texas House successfully met the quorum and resumed operations for the second special session. The House Selection Committee on Congressional Districts subsequently reviewed and passed the amended map with a narrow 12-8 vote along party lines, with another vote anticipated by Wednesday.
In a parallel move, a Texas Senate Committee approved a similar map on Sunday, with discussions and votes expected later in the week across the Senate floor.
