Texas Speaker Warns Fleeing Democrats of Mounting Debt for Overtime Costs

Quorum Failure and Flood Response

• 📌 The Texas House cannot address critical flood response legislation due to a lack of quorum.
• 💔 This prevents aid for families and communities impacted by devastating floods, affecting homes, businesses, livelihoods, and lives.

Financial Responsibility for Absent Members

• 💰 The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is tracking overtime costs incurred to compel absent members' attendance, exceeding six figures.
• 💸 Additional travel and operational costs are also being monitored.
• 🏛️ Under House rules, absent members will be held responsible for repaying all these expenses.

Consequences and Pressure

• ⚠️ The speaker emphasizes that the devastation from floods and the mounting debt should compel members to return.
• 📈 The pressure on these members is expected to grow as the situation does not resolve.

Return to Session Mandate

• ✅ Members present are not being punished and can go home temporarily.
• ⏰ However, members must remain within six hours of the capital and be on call to return if quorum might be reached.
• 🗓️ All members are expected to be physically present in the chamber by Friday.