Texas GOP Leaders’ Standoff: School Choice, Border Security Legislation Unlikely Before End of Third Special Session

As the end of Gov. Abbott’s special session nears, GOP lawmakers traded barbs and accused House Speaker Phelan of violating the Texas Constitution.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick delivers his remarks at the conclusion of the impeachment trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton on Sept. 16, 2023. Texas Senate/Screenshot via NTD

Texas House and Senate leaders are in a standoff over border security and school choice, making it unlikely legislation will be passed before Nov. 7, the final day of the third special session called by Gov. Greg Abbott.

On Wednesday, Mr. Abbott appeared optimistic that legislation for his top priority—school choice—would finally get passed as he announced his expanded agenda for the special session following “productive discussions” with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan.