Gov. Greg Abbott has threatened to arrest the House Democrats who left the state to block a vote on new congressional district maps.
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has called for the arrest of the House Democrats who fled the state to block a vote on new congressional maps that could give Republicans five additional seats.
Texas House Democrats opposed to the plan took off for Chicago on Sunday, including Rep. Ron Reynolds, who represents Missouri City.
“We saw that this was the only option that we have at the present moment to fight back, to help save our democracy,” Rep. Reynolds told KHOU 11.
Because the quorum is broken, the Texas Legislature can’t advance the redistricting proposal or any of the 18 items on the special session agenda.
On Monday, Republican leaders voiced their displeasure with the actions of those who left. They said it’s not only the new maps they were holding up in the session.
“Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty to Texans,” Abbott said. “By fleeing the state, Texas House Democrats are holding hostage critical legislation to aid flood victims and advance property tax relief. There are consequences for dereliction of duty.”
The fleeing Democrats are also facing the possibility of being arrested and brought to the Texas Capitol by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
“Speaker Dustin Burrows just issued a call of the Texas House and issued warrants to compel members to return to the chamber. To ensure compliance, I ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate, arrest, and return to the House chamber any member who has abandoned their duty to Texans. This order will remain in effect until all missing Democrat House members are accounted for and brought to the Texas Capitol,” Abbott said.
The Democrats will also face fines.
Reynolds said they have their party’s support.
Abbott could call a second or third special session to get the bill passed.
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