The Texas House has approved a motion to issue arrest warrants for numerous Democrats who left the state to obstruct a vote on congressional district maps.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton stated that he would take steps to “round up” the 51 Democrats who departed Texas to delay the legislative process.
“A Texas Democrat attempting to flee like a coward will be found, arrested, and swiftly brought back to the Capitol,” Paxton wrote. Lawmakers sought refuge in states like Illinois to protest Republicans’ advantageous redistricting.
He further commented, “We must utilize all available resources to track down those who believe they are above the law.”
Texas House Democrats explained that they left to oppose what they termed the “Trump Texas takeover,” criticizing the proposed map as “motivated by race” and “corrupted.”
State Rep. Nate Schatzlein (R) noted that both state lawmakers and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) possess the legal authority to bring back those who are absent from the legislative session.
Schatzlein mentioned that since the Democrats permanently left the state, Governor Greg Abbott (R) “holds the constitutional power to declare seats vacant under Texas election laws.”
“I fully support the immediate arrest of these lawmakers who have abandoned their responsibilities,” Paxton said, adding that these Democrats are disregarding their commitments to the Texans they were elected to represent. He labeled it a “disease of neglect,” insisting they should face legal consequences without excuses.
House Speaker Dustin Burrows indicated that after the Democrats did not return by the 3p.m. deadline, he had to sign off on a civil warrant enabling officials to arrest the absentees and return them to the Capitol.
“The Sergeant and her appointees have been directed to ensure that arrest warrants, if necessary, are issued to all absentees not exempted to maintain attendance until further orders are given,” Burrows said.
Abbott has ordered the DPS to “locate members who have neglected their duties to Texas and bring them back.”
“This order will stay in effect until all absent Democrats have been accounted for,” the governor explained.
Additionally, he initiated a criminal investigation into possible “bribery” and other illegal activities that may have taken place during this event, following allegations that some Democrats procured funds to skip the vote.
