Texas Republicans are turning up the heat on the cowardly Democrat lawmakers who fled the state to block a GOP-led redistricting plan. Texas House Speaker Dustin Barrows has devised a sharp legal strategy to make sure these runaway legislators feel the sting where it hurts most — their wallets.
Under new administrative policies, any Democrat who is absent for the purpose of breaking quorum will no longer receive their paycheck or per diem through convenient electronic deposit. Instead, they must physically collect their checks on Capitol grounds. For the lawmakers currently hiding out in Illinois, California, or anywhere else outside Texas, this means one thing: no showing up, no getting paid.
Barrows made the policy crystal clear: “While the Constitution forbids us from withholding pay, it does not dictate how we issue the pay. Those checks must now be picked up in person on Capitol grounds, effective immediately, starting today.”
But that’s not all. In addition to making the AWOL Democrats retrieve their paychecks in person, Barrows announced that 30% of their monthly operating budgets will be reserved. This money will be held back to ensure that taxpayer dollars are protected and that potential fines — authorized under House rules for members absent without leave — can be paid.
Adding another twist to the escalating showdown, Barrows confirmed that the FBI has been brought in to help resolve the situation. He issued a pointed reminder to the absent Democrats: “For those that have fled to Illinois or to California, be reminded that the FBI Assistant has reportedly been enlisted and their powers are not confined to any singular states.”
Attorney General Ken Paxton also unleashed a verbal barrage against the Democrats, blasting them for abandoning their posts. “Any Democrat coward breaking the law will be held accountable. Texas cannot be bought,” Paxton declared. He went on to accuse them of dereliction of duty: “Democrats have abandoned their offices by fleeing Texas, and a failure to respond to a call of the House constitutes a dereliction of their duty as elected officials.”
Paxton vowed that any rogue lawmakers who continue their stunt will face consequences: “Starting Friday, any rogue lawmakers refusing to return to the House will be held accountable for vacating their office. The people of Texas elected lawmakers, not jet-setting runaways looking for headlines. If you don’t show up to work, you get fired.”
In a separate document, the Attorney General warned that these Democrats could lose their seats entirely. “If the runaway members of the legislative minority do not return to the House and resume performance of their duties by the deadline, the Attorney General will seek judicial relief confirming that their office is vacant,” the statement read.
While Democrats hide out and grandstand for the cameras, Texas Republicans are working to protect the legislative process — and the taxpayers footing the bill. The message from GOP leadership is clear: Do your job, or step aside for someone who will.
