Texas House Fails to Reach Quorum Again Amidst Democratic Walkout

Quorum Failure and Legislative Stalemate

• 🎯 The Texas House of Representatives failed to meet a quorum for the second time as Democratic members continued their walkout.
• ⚠️ This failure prevents the House from taking up critical flood response legislation needed by families and communities.

Costs and Consequences of the Walkout

• 💰 The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is tracking taxpayer dollars spent on compelling absent members' attendance, exceeding six figures in overtime alone.
• ⚖️ Under House rules, absent members are responsible for reimbursing these costs, including travel and operational expenses.
• 📌 The speaker emphasized that the devastation in the Hill Country and mounting debt should motivate members to return.

Next Steps and Potential Outcomes

• 🗓️ Members present will not be punished and can go home Wednesday and Thursday, but must be within six hours of the capital and on call to return.
• ⚡ The House will attempt to convene with a quorum again on Friday.
• 🚨 If quorum is still not met on Friday, the House and Senate will sine die (end the session), and the governor will call a second special session.
• 🔒 Absent members remain subject to civil arrest.

Governor's Commitment

• 🤝 Governor Albert is committed to calling special sessions repeatedly until the legislative work is completed.