Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to arrest Democratic members of the Texas House who have left the state. The governor’s action comes after several Democratic lawmakers fled, preventing a quorum and stalling legislative work.
“Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty to Texans,” Governor 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.
“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.”
The absence of these lawmakers has delayed votes on issues such as assistance for flood victims and proposed changes related to property taxes.
