Representative Brian Harrison (R) has introduced House Resolution 823, seeking to remove Speaker Dustin Burrows (R) from his leadership position. The resolution comes after a contentious series of events, including Harrison’s motion to vacate the Speaker’s chair being denied and his microphone being cut off during a legislative session. In his resolution, Rep. Brian Harrison accuses Speaker Burrows of misconduct, breaches of trust, and violations of the Texas Constitution.
Rep. Harrison argues that Burrows secured the Speakership by cutting a deal with Democrats, empowering them by appointing individuals who support pro-abortion policies, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and open borders to key leadership positions.
“Speaker Dustin Burrows has committed the greatest form of voter fraud by cutting a deal with Democrats to become Speaker,” stated Harrison.
He points to Burrows’ appointment of a pro-abortion Speaker Pro Tem and a former Obama White House lawyer as the House’s Parliamentary Counsel as evidence of this alleged deal.
The resolution also focuses on Burrows’ handling of the state budget. Harrison accuses Burrows of allowing Democrats to chair the House Appropriations Committee, enabling them to draft the state budget in secret. He claims this process violated House rules and that a $340 billion budget, over 1,000 pages long, was voted on after only 20 hours of review.
“This rushed process was a deliberate attempt to sidestep proper legislative procedures,” Harrison contends.
Harrison further accuses Burrows of manipulating the legislative process, citing an instance where Burrows allegedly fabricated a quorum. “A quorum is present,” Burrows is said to have declared when only 63 out of 150 members were present. Harrison views this as an attempt to undermine the Texas Constitution.
Additionally, Harrison criticizes Burrows for prioritizing a Democrat-sponsored bill over Republican-backed legislation. This move, Harrison argues, wasted valuable legislative time and angered many conservative lawmakers.
The resolution also highlights grassroots opposition, with over 10,000 Texas residents signing a petition calling for Burrows’ removal. Harrison emphasizes, “Texas voters gave Republicans huge majorities in both the Texas House and Senate, and they deserve leadership that represents their values.”
Rep. Brian Harrison has received support from Rep. David Lowe (R), who co-authored HR823, and he invites every House Republican to join him in supporting the resolution.
As HR823 progresses through the legislative process, it remains to be seen whether Harrison will gain enough support to oust Burrows, which could reshape the direction of Texas’ legislative agenda.
