Texas Democrats are reportedly planning to return to the state after fleeing in an effort to block legislative sessions.
ABC 13 Houston confirmed with “multiple sources” that the Democrats are to return, although the date remains unknown. According to the report, Democrats “believe they’ve accomplished their mission by killing the first special session and by raising national awareness about the mid-decade redistricting effort.”
A spokesperson for the Texas Democratic Caucus told the outlet, “Members are still assessing their strategies going forward and are in a private meeting to make decisions about future plans currently.”
“If and when Texas House Democrats breaking quorum decide to go home is squarely dependent on the actions the Governor, Speaker, and Texas Republicans in charge make with regard to prioritizing flood victims over redistricting that hurts Texans,” the spokesperson explained.
On Tuesday, the Texas Senate approved the state’s new congressional map in a 19-2 vote. The vote followed nine Democratic senators leaving the chamber. The map now heads to the Texas House.
Meanwhile, the Texas Supreme Court has “expedited” the schedule for briefs to be filed in the case of Democrats fleeing the Texas House.
“My lawsuit in the Texas Supreme Court against the ring leader of the derelict Democrats in the Texas House goes to the next level,” Governor Greg Abbott (R) said in a social media statement. “Closer to consequences for Texas Democrats running away from their duties and spending the summer in California and Illinois.”
Under the expedited schedule, Abbott must file his brief by August 20, while respondents must file their brief by August 29. Abbott may then file a reply brief by September 4.
