This week, the Texas House voted to authorize civil arrest warrants for Democratic lawmakers who fled the state in protest of the GOP’s push to redrawing the state’s congressional map.
The motion, which was introduced by state Rep. Charlie Geren (R), empowers the House sergeant-at-arms or officers appointed by her to “send for all absentees whose attendance is not excused… under warrant of arrest if necessary.”
The measure passed 85 - 6, Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R) announced.
Dozens of Democrats left Texas over the weekend, traveling out of state to deny the chamber a quorum. Without enough members present, Republicans cannot advance legislation, including the controversial redistricting plan.
Before the vote, House Speaker Burrows issued a warning to Democrats, calling on the lawmakers to return. “Show the courage to face the issues you were elected to solve. Come back and fulfill your duty because this House will not sit quietly while you obstruct the work of the people,” he said.
He pledged to “immediately sign the warrants for the civil arrests of the members who have said they will not be here” if the motion passed.
Republicans argue the redistricting plan reflects population changes, while Democrats contend it is a partisan gerrymander that dilutes minority voting power. The fact that President Donald Trump (R) called for the effort to give Republicans 5 seats has also drawn controversy.
By breaking quorum, Democrats are employing a rare tactic to halt the legislative process, which echoes similar walkouts in past sessions.
Governor Greg Abbott (R) commented on the tension between Republicans and Democrats on the issue, saying that Democrats cannot do “anything about” the plan to redraw the map.
“Democrats are freaking out because they are realizing Texas has the authority to redistrict, and we’re going to do so in a way that’s going to lead to these additional seats that will vote Republican,” he noted.
