Texas House Issues Civil Arrest Warrants for Absent Democrats

Quorum and Legislative Duties

• 🏛️ The Texas House of Representatives is adjourned until 3 PM, with multiple critical tasks needing attention.
• 📜 The Constitution mandates that the governor sets the agenda, and legislators must show up to do their jobs.
• 🤝 The speaker expressed pride in the bipartisan members present and hope for more to return.

Absence and External Locations

• 📍 A significant number of members are absent from the state, reportedly in New York and Chicago, rather than representing their constituents.
• 📢 These absent members are receiving considerable media attention while neglecting their legislative duties.

Civil Arrest Warrants and Enforcement

• ⚖️ The House has issued a call on the house and signed civil arrest warrants for absent members.
• 🚓 The governor has offered support from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to locate members and establish a quorum.
• 🎯 The speaker noted one member attending a fundraiser in Austin and indicated that DPS would be invited to attend as well.

Commitment to Completing Duties

• ⏳ While the work may be delayed, the House is committed to completing its required duties.
• ✅ The speaker assured that the legislative body will fulfill its constitutional obligations, regardless of the timeline.