As Democrats have appeared alongside leaders of states like Illinois, New York, Massachusetts and California, Republicans in Texas are attempting to take legal action, often invoking powers they do not hold.
This article will continue to be updated.
Since this article was first published Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit with the Texas Supreme Court seeking to vacate thirteen seats held by Democratic state representatives who left the state.
The waiting game continues in the redistricting saga as 51 Texas House Democrats remain out of state, essentially halting the work of the special session.
As Democrats have appeared alongside leaders of states like Illinois, New York, Massachusetts and California, Republicans in Texas are attempting to take legal action, often invoking powers they do not hold.
The week started with Governor Abbott invoking an Attorney General opinion saying that he would seek to vacate the offices of Democrats who left the state if they did not appear at the Capitol when the session was gaveled in. In that same statement, Abbott said that the Texas Department of Public Safety would be sent to arrest “delinquent members,” even though they are civil warrants. On Tuesday, Abbott filed a lawsuit with the Texas Supreme Court seeking the removal of Rep. Gene Wu, the Chair of the Democratic House Caucus.
Meanwhile Attorney General Paxton also said he that he would seek judicial orders to arrest and vacate the seats of members that left the state. He also announced that he was investigating both Powered by the People, founded by Beto O’Rourke, and the Texas Majority PAC for their involvement in raising funds to help the Texas Democrats. On Thursday, Paxton also announced he had filed a petition in Adams County, Illinois to compel the arrests of Texas House members.
Not to be outdone, Paxton’s opponent in the upcoming Republican Senate primary, John Cornyn announced that he had asked the FBI to investigate and “hold accountable” the absent members. The FBI responded by saying they would agree to his request, but they do not have legal jurisdiction to make any potential arrest because the lawmakers have broken no federal law.
For the Democrats who have left the state, the rhetoric and actions of their Republican lawmakers have not deterred their commitment to the quorum break. State Rep. John Bucy even posted a screen grab of the lawsuit. “If defending democracy is a crime, I’m proud to be an outlaw,” he wrote.
Congressman Greg Casar has cautioned that the escalating overtures at overreach should be heeded with “real urgency.” On a call Thursday evening with the progressive legislative group P Street, Casar encouraged listeners to imagine this same scenario unfolding in another country. “This is what authoritarianism starts to look like, we gotta keep them wannabe [dictators],” he warned.
On Friday August 8, several members of the Texas House will be appearing alongside California Governor Gavin Newsom and members of the California State Senate and Assembly. In Texas, all eyes will be on the emergency filing by Abbott in front of the state’s Supreme Court, which includes six justices (of nine) that he has appointed.
Great Job Jessica Montoya Coggins & the Team @ Texas Signal Media Foundation Source link for sharing this story.
