Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) sent a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, urging him to take action alongside Texas law enforcement in arresting lawmakers fleeing the state.
Because some lawmakers have traveled to New York and Illinois in an effort to “avoid legislative responsibilities,” Cornyn wrote, the Texas Department of Public Safety has requested assistance in the matter.
“I request the FBI’s assistance, as federal resources are necessary to locate the out-of-state Texas legislators who are potentially acting in violation of the law,” the senator wrote. “The FBI has tools to aid state law enforcement when parties cross state lines, including to avoid testifying or fleeing a scene of a crime. Specifically, I am concerned that legislators who solicited or accepted funds to aid in their efforts to avoid their legislative duties may be guilty of bribery or other public corruption offenses.”
“I am encouraged by the strong leadership from Governor Abbott on this matter. Governor Abbott and Texas state law enforcement officers are doing what they can within the confines of the law, but federal help may be necessary,” he added. “These legislators have committed potential criminal acts in their rush to avoid their constitutional responsibilities and must be fully investigated and held accountable. I urge you to work with Texas public officials to provide them the support they need.”
The call for FBI involvement follows Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R) signing arrest warrants for the lawmakers.
“Speaker Dustin Burrows just issued a call of the Texas House and issued warrants to compel members to return to the chamber,” Governor Greg Abbott (R) said Monday. “To ensure compliance, I ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate, arrest, and return to the House chamber any member who has abandoned their duty to Texans. This order will remain in effect until all missing Democrat House members are accounted for and brought to the Texas Capitol.”
