Texas Democrats are facing increasing pressure to return to Austin as Republicans attempt to secure a quorum and push forward key legislative actions. Over 50 Democratic lawmakers left the state earlier in the week to block a special session, which includes redistricting efforts that could potentially give Republicans five additional House seats. Other items on the agenda include funding for flood victims and other policy issues.
To compel their return, Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows ordered that lawmakers who broke quorum must collect their paychecks in person, suspending direct deposit until the quorum is restored. Additionally, civil arrest warrants were signed for the absent members, and only eight Democrats had returned by Tuesday. Governor Greg Abbott demanded the rest return by Monday or face arrest and possible removal from office.
Federal involvement escalated when Senator John Cornyn requested FBI Director Kash Patel’s assistance in locating and detaining the absent Democrats. Cornyn thanked President Trump and Patel for acting swiftly, stating lawmakers must be held accountable for shirking their duties. Many Democrats had traveled to Chicago to avoid a vote and potential arrest under Texas jurisdiction.
President Trump weighed in, saying the lawmakers needed to return and face the legislative process. He echoed Governor Abbott’s position, emphasizing that elected officials can’t simply avoid doing their jobs. Meanwhile, legal experts began raising concerns about the constitutionality of federal intervention in a state matter.
Political analyst Joshua Blank noted the tension between the political and legal implications, suggesting federal enforcement could spark a constitutional crisis. Paxton, challenging Cornyn in a primary, dismissed the FBI’s role, asserting the issue is strictly within Texas jurisdiction.
Cornyn argued that legislators who solicited or accepted funds to support their absence might face bribery or corruption charges. Governor Abbott also directed the Texas Rangers to investigate possible illegal activity tied to the Democrats’ departure.
