Texas House of Representatives Faces Quorum Crisis: Democrats Absent, Standoff Continues
The Texas House of Representatives faced a setback on Monday as 58 members were absent during the redistricting meeting. The meeting, originally scheduled for 11:30 a.m., was delayed due to the lack of quorum. At least 51 Texas House Democrats left Austin for various destinations, leaving the House without the required 100 members for a quorum out of the total 150 members in the House.
The absence of the Democrats has stalled the proceedings, as a quorum is necessary for the House to conduct regular business. Lawmakers who continue to break quorum during the special session face a $500 daily fine, potentially totaling $8,500 per absent lawmaker. Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows attempted to compel the absent members to return, but they are currently out of state, beyond the sergeant at arms' jurisdiction.
Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton have the authority to instruct the sergeant to compel attendance, but their jurisdiction is limited to Texas. Abbott ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate, arrest, and return the absent members to the House chamber. He also warned that lawmakers who did not attend the meeting could face removal from their positions and membership in the House.
In response to the threats, Texas Democrats defiantly stated, "Come and take it." The standoff between the absent Democrats and state officials continues as efforts are made to ensure the return of the missing members and resume the House proceedings.