The Speaker of the Texas House revealed new measures on Friday aimed at addressing the absence of Democratic legislators who have left the state to block specific sessions. These sessions could potentially allow Republicans to gain up to five additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Republican Rep. Dustin Burrows, who also serves as the Speaker, detailed the actions taken in response to these absences.
Democrats have relocated to states like New York and Illinois, seeking to prevent the Texas legislature from meeting. Burrows explained, “I’ve put a new policy in place that means members will no longer receive their salaries electronically if they’re trying to avoid a quorum. While the Constitution has specific rules, it doesn’t dictate how to issue paychecks,” he said. “From now on, they’ll need to pick up their checks in person at the Capitol. This starts immediately.”
Moreover, he added, “Going forward, 30% of the monthly budget for each quorum member will be set aside and unavailable due to rules that impose fines on members absent without permission. This is meant to protect taxpayer funds and clarify future responsibilities.” Absent members must return to approve any requests for reimbursements or changes in staff salaries.
The FBI has joined the initiative to track down Texas Democrats who have left the state after a request from Republican Sen. John Cornyn. Burrows announced further actions directed at these absent representatives.
In a recent tweet, Attorney General Ken Paxton stated, “I filed a historic lawsuit against the fleeing Democrats to declare a seat vacant. These members have disrupted the constitutional process and their out-of-state actions need to be addressed.”
Burrows emphasized, “If you don’t show up, newsletter and fund services will be suspended. We are brainstorming new strategies to ensure a quorum. We will persist until we succeed.”
He noted that the special session aims to address recent devastating floods in Texas that claimed many lives. “To those in states like California, Illinois, New York, or Massachusetts—this is crucial. We cannot introduce the bill to the committee without a quorum,” Burrows stated. “Time is ticking for Texans. You know you’ll have to return eventually, and as time passes, the political implications of your absence escalate.”
