AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF) – The Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives made clear on Friday that the legislature has plenty of work left to do as the first special session comes to an end, and another begins Saturday.
House Speaker Dade Phelan called on Democrats to return to Austin for the coming session after many of them broke quorum for the majority of the first special session. It was an effort to kill a Republican-led voting bill, which was accomplished, for now. But Governor Abbott is promising repeated special sessions until the bill is voted on.
“Today, the Texas House of Representatives gaveled out of Governor Abbott’s first called special session for the 87th Legislature. While a bipartisan group of members honored their duty to their constituents and the legislative process by showing up day after day, the Texas House could not address important issues such as approving a 13th check for our retired teachers, improving our foster care system, and passing crucial legislation on bail reform and election integrity because a number of Democrats deliberately broke quorum. With a second special session beginning tomorrow, the Texas House remains committed to fulfilling its responsibilities as soon our Democratic colleagues return from Washington or from their vacations abroad.”
Texas Democrats said Friday that they will continue to fight against the voting measure, but didn’t say if they intend to return enough members to Austin to hold a quorum. Many of them remained in Washington D.C. where they have been pushing for Federal voting legislation.
“Now is the time to recharge and regroup for what lies ahead,” State Rep. Nicole Collier said.
The second special session begins at 12 p.m. on Saturday.
Listen to Clayton Neville’s story below:
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