Texas House Speaker Announces New Measures Against Democrats

The Speaker of the Texas House laid out new measures on Friday aimed at targeting Democrats who have left the state to avoid a quorum. This move follows their departures to Democrat-led states such as New York and Illinois. The strategy is intended to block special sessions that could potentially allow Republicans to gain up to five additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Republican Rep. Dustin Burrows, who serves as the Speaker, explained the steps being taken in response to these absences. He mentioned, “I have activated a new policy that ensures members won’t receive their salaries electronically if they are absent. While the Constitution doesn’t permit withholding pay, it doesn’t clarify how compensation is to be distributed.” Instead, he stated that “checks must be physically picked up at the Capitol, effective immediately.”

In addition, Burrows noted, “From today onward, 30% of each quorum member’s budget will be allocated and rendered unavailable due to expenses according to Article 5 of the House Rules. This is to impose fines on absent members and ensure accountability for taxpayer funds.” He added that absent members would need to be physically present to approve matters like travel reimbursements or adjustments to staff salaries.

The FBI has agreed to assist in tracking down the absent Democrats, responding to a request from Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas. Burrows also has additional measures aimed at representatives from states where Democrats have taken refuge.

Attorney General Ken Paxton tweeted about filing a lawsuit against the Democrats who left the state, claiming their actions obstruct the constitutional process and that Texas must continue its business.

Burrows further stated, “If you don’t show up in person, we will cancel newsletter and replication services.” He emphasized the need to explore new approaches to force a quorum and assured that they would keep pressing forward.

He noted that the special session was also intended to pass a law in response to the July 4 floods in Texas, which claimed numerous lives. “For everyone in states like California, Illinois, New York, or Massachusetts — listen closely. We cannot introduce this bill to the committee without a quorum,” he said. Burrows expressed that time is crucial for Texans and reminded absent members that the political costs of their absence would increase.