Texas Just Took the Most Savage Step Yet Against the Missing Lawmakers
In a bold move to force absent lawmakers back to the Capitol, the Texas House just voted to revoke direct deposit access for the derelict Democrat members who fled the state. They will not receive their paychecks until they physically return to Texas grounds.
But that’s not all — each absent member is being charged $500 per day for every day they remain away. The fines are stacking up quickly, and frustration is boiling over in Austin.
This comes after weeks of political gridlock, with Democrats breaking quorum to block voting legislation. Texas leaders say enough is enough, and this latest measure is designed to hit where it hurts — their wallets.
The standoff has ignited fierce debate across the nation. Supporters say the lawmakers abandoned their duty and deserve the consequences. Critics claim the move is political retaliation.
One thing is certain: the longer they stay away, the bigger the bill they’ll face when they return.
Texas House Democrats have fled the state to block Republicans from redrawing congressional districts in a bid to flip five U.S. House seats held by Democrats. Their departure deprives the Texas Legislature’s lower chamber from the number of members needed to pass legislation and leaves the current special legislative session in limbo.
Gov. Greg Abbott has asked the Texas Supreme Court to remove Houston Rep. Gene Wu, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, from office, an unprecedented escalation in Republicans’ efforts to resume business in the Legislature and advance new congressional districts. Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton have threatened to initiate removal proceedings against all Democrats who fled.
Texas Democrats are in Illinois, Massachusetts and New York to discuss their options with governors and legislators sympathetic to their case. In Austin, House Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, has said that “all options are on the table” to compel Democrats to return or punish them for their absence.
Republicans introduced a new congressional map last week, which passed through a committee early Saturday. Democrats left before the redistricting bill could receive a full floor vote.