Texas Republican lawmakers on Tuesday authorized tracking down and arresting if necessary over 50 House Democrats who fled Monday’s special session for Washington, D.C., seeking to block passage of a sweeping election reforms bill.
“Members, the sergeant-at-arms and the officers appointed by him are directed to send for all absentees whose attendance is not excused for the purpose of securing and maintaining their attendance—under warrant of arrest, if necessary,” Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, a Republican, said from the floor. “Any member who wishes to leave the hall must have the written permission of the Speaker of the House.”
