Texas House Republicans Vote to Arrest Absent Democrats

AUSTIN, TX – House lawmakers in Austin issued a call Tuesday morning demanding Democrats who fled the state to return or face arrest.  

According to reports from Austin, shortly before 10 a.m. the Texas House – without a quorum – voted 76 to 4 to issue the call.  

The rules of the Texas House of Representatives state that two thirds of State Representatives must be present to conduct business.  There are 150 State Reps, so 100 have to be present to vote on any measure.  Tuesday, there were only 80 Representatives present. 

It is unclear how the call or arrests will be enforced because the Democrats fled the state for Washington, D.C. and Texas law enforcement officers have no jurisdiction there.  

The House Democrats fled the state Monday to block Republican legislation on election integrity.  

In 2003, Democrats fled to Oklahoma to block redistricting.  Republican redistricting efforts were eventually passed after Democrats returned to Austin. 

Gov. Greg Abbott has said publicly that the Democrats who fled their responsibilities will be arrested when they return.