Texas House Democrats Flee State Over Redistricting, Speaker Vows Arrest

Quorum Failure and Absent Members

• 📌 The Texas House of Representatives convened, but a quorum was not present as many members failed to register.
• 🎯 This absence is attributed to House Democrats who have fled the state to protest a redistricting controversy.

Speaker's Response to Dereliction of Duty

• ⚡ The Speaker commended the members who were present and honored their oath to work for the people of Texas.
• ⚠️ The Speaker condemned the absent members for abandoning their posts and shirking responsibilities under the influence of out-of-state entities.
• ⚖️ Leaving the state is described as a delay tactic, not a stop to the House's work, with growing costs for each day of inaction.

Actions to Compel Return

• 🚨 The Speaker is prepared to issue a motion to place a call on the House to compel the return of absent members.
• 🚓 If the motion passes, the Speaker will sign warrants for the civil arrest of members who are not present.
• ✊ The Speaker vows to do everything in their power to establish quorum and move forward, emphasizing that the House will not be obstructed.

Consequences for Absent Members

• 📢 The Speaker warned that there will be consequences if the absent members continue to obstruct the work of the people.
• 🌍 The actions of the absent members are being watched by the people of Texas and the nation.