Multiple Texas Democrats who fled to DC to block legislation they opposed test positive for COVID-19.
QUICK FACTS:
- Three Texas House Democrats who were part of the group of legislators who recently fled Texas to block Republican legislation have tested positive for the coronavirus even though they had been vaccinated, according to Fox 4.
- Their names have not been released.
WHAT THE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS SAID:
- Chris Turner, House Democratic Caucus Chairman, said the following: “The House Democratic Caucus is following all CDC guidance and protocols. This is a sober reminder that COVID is still with us, and though vaccinations offer tremendous protection, we still must take necessary precautions. We are in touch with public health experts in Texas to provide additional guidance. Our caucus will follow all recommendations from public health experts as we continue our work.”
BACKGROUND:
- About 60 Democratic members of the Texas House of Representatives recently fled to Washington, DC on two private jets to urge Congress and the Biden administration to enact federal voting rights legislation.
- The House lacks a quorum and is unable to vote on any legislation due to the members’ not being present.
- According to the Texas Tribune, the House of Representatives can vote to lock the doors to prevent legislators from fleeing. They can even order law enforcement to seek down and jail any members who have already fled.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott threatened to arrest Democratic lawmakers who skipped a special session to prevent Republican-backed election reform legislation from becoming law.
- “Once they step back into the state they will be arrested and brought back to the Capitol and we will be conducting business,” the governor promised.
