democrats

Texas House Passes Bill to Ban Fundraising During Quorum Breaks

The Texas House has passed House Bill 18, a controversial measure that would ban state lawmakers from raising campaign funds for themselves or their caucuses while breaking quorum.

The legislation was prompted by the walkout by House Democrats, who left the state to prevent a vote on congressional redistricting maps that would have favored Republicans. That quorum break drew national attention and political donations, with more than $1 million raised by Democratic-aligned groups during that time.

Republicans argue the bill is necessary to ensure lawmakers are present for legislative duties and not financially rewarded for obstruction.

“I prefer if you break quorum, you can't fundraise,” said Rep. Keresa Richardson (R). “The rest of us were showing up every day. We were doing our jobs.”

Democrats strongly oppose the bill, calling it punitive and politically motivated.

Rep. Chris Turner (D) called it “retribution,” saying, “We fought back, and they don't like it — but that's too bad.”

Turner and others argue that the Texas Constitution allows lawmakers to break quorum as a legislative tool, particularly in response to what they see as gerrymandered policies.

HB 18 would also prevent legislative caucuses from receiving funds collected during a quorum break, closing a loophole that previously allowed organizations to support legislators indirectly.

This includes funds like those donated by Beto O'Rourke’s Powered By People, which gave over $1 million to Democratic caucuses during the special session.

Democrats are already facing more than $9,000 in fines for past quorum breaks, and additional penalties may follow. The House is reportedly reviewing rule changes to further discourage future walkouts.

The bill now heads to the Texas Senate for consideration.

Raeylee Barefield

Raeylee Barefield is a student at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a degree in Government. She enjoys reading, writing, and cooking in her spare time.

Recent Posts

Roger Williams Leads Letter Criticizing UN Over Gaza Famine Rhetoric

U.S. Representative Roger Williams (R) led a letter to Ambassador Mike Waltz, head of the…

12 hours ago

Ted Cruz says AI Moratorium Still in Play, Section 230 Protection Unclear

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R) signaled that efforts to pause state-level regulation of artificial intelligence…

16 hours ago

Ken Paxton Presses Universities to Uphold Free Speech

Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) has joined a multistate coalition in urging university leaders nationwide…

18 hours ago

John Cornyn Seeks to Protect Religious Student Organizations

U.S Senator John Cornyn (R), joined by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Tim Scott (R-SC),…

18 hours ago

LONESTAR — 9.23.2025 — Charlie Kirk Memorial Sparks Clash Between Republicans and Democrats — August Pfluger Introduces Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Prices — and More...

Charlie Kirk Memorial Sparks Heated Online Political Debate Over the weekend, conservatives gathered to honor…

18 hours ago

Trump Declares Antifa A Terrorist Organization in Executive Order

President Donald Trump has officially declared Antifascist Action, better known as "Antifa," a domestic terrorist…

1 day ago