One day after Texas House Democrats fled the state in a bid to stop redistricting, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state troopers to arrest them.
“I ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate, arrest, and return to the House chamber any member who has abandoned their duty to Texans,” Abbott said in an August 4 press release.
“This order will remain in effect until all missing Democrat House members are accounted for and brought to the Texas Capitol.”
Abbott said the absent House Democrats were holding up “critical legislation” for flood victims and property tax relief. The Democrats fled the state Sunday, attempting to stall a vote on the upcoming Republican-friendly redistricting.
Abbott signed the order to “ensure compliance” with Republican Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows, he said.
Burrows announced civil arrest warrants for the absent Democrats earlier that afternoon.
“They’ve left the state, abandoned their posts, and turned their backs on the constituents they swore to represent,” Burrows said in the chamber. “I will immediately sign the warrants for the civil arrest of the members who have said they will not be here.”
Burrows previously warned that if the Democrats did not return, “all options will be on the table.” Attorney General Ken Paxton said on August 3 that he supports their “immediate arrest.”
“To those who are absent – return now. Show the courage to face the issues you were elected to solve. Come back and fulfill your duty,” Burrows said when announcing the warrants. “Because this House will not sit quietly while you obstruct the work of the people.”
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