Texas Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Expel No-Show Democrats

Consequences for Absent Lawmakers

• 📌 A new policy mandates that Texas lawmakers who break quorum will have their paychecks and per diems picked up in person on Capitol grounds, as electronic deposits are halted.
• 💡 This measure, while not withholding pay (which the Constitution forbids), dictates the method of delivery to penalize absent members.

Proposed Bill to Expel Lawmakers

• ⚖️ State Representative Briscoe Cain proposes a bill to expel any Texas lawmaker who skips seven consecutive legislative days without an excused absence.
• 🎯 The goal is to compel absent Democrats to return to their districts and resume their legislative duties.
• 🗣️ Cain acknowledges that such a bill might not pass this session but emphasizes the need to socialize and discuss consequences for such actions.

Democratic Departure and Political Strategy

• 🚶‍♂️ The transcript notes that Democrats have previously left the state to break quorum in 1979, 2003, 2021, and 2025, suggesting a recurring tactic.
• 🔑 Cain argues this is a strategy for Democrats to cling to power they did not earn at the ballot box.
• 📉 Their actions are described as dilatory and potentially leading to political repercussions at the ballot box.

Potential Legal Ramifications

• 🔍 Investigations are mentioned regarding bribery, with a grand jury potentially looking into whether soliciting or accepting benefits for not showing up to work violates Texas law.
• 🏛️ The Governor and Attorney General have filed petitions with the Texas Supreme Court seeking to vacate the seats of 14 absent lawmakers.
• ✈️ Concerns are raised that some absent lawmakers may no longer even reside in Texas.

FBI Involvement and Economic Importance

• 🤝 The FBI's involvement in trying to locate missing Texas Democrats is mentioned, highlighting the importance of the Texas economy to the state, the US, and the world.
• ✅ The need for the Texas legislature to function is emphasized, with an openness to any assistance to achieve this.