Gov. Greg Abbott warns he’ll immediately call another special session if Texas House Democrats don’t return by Friday to end the redistricting standoff.
AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott warned Texas House Democrats on Tuesday morning that if they don’t return to the Capitol by the end of this week, he will call lawmakers back immediately for another special session with the exact same agenda.
The statement came after both the Texas House and Senate signaled they will sine die — adjourn without setting a return date — on Friday, Aug. 15, if a quorum isn’t reached. Democrats have been boycotting the special session, which has prevented a vote on new congressional district maps and other measures.
“There will be no reprieve for the derelict Democrats who fled the state and abandoned their duty to the people who elected them,” Abbott said. “I will continue to call special session after special session until we get this Texas first agenda passed.”
Abbott said Special Session #2 will have the same agenda as the current one, but could include additional priorities “critical to Texans.”
The standoff has now stretched into its second week. Abbott again emphasized he’s prepared for the long haul: “If they think all they have to do is wait it out until November or December, they’re wrong. I’m gonna do this for the next two years!”
The walkout has also delayed flood relief legislation tied to the deadly July 4 flooding in the Texas Hill Country. Five flood-related bills remain on hold, including proposals to help communities upgrade emergency communication systems and require outdoor campgrounds to have a flood disaster plan.
Republican lawmakers say the only thing standing in the way of passing those bills is whether Democrats show up before Friday. Democrats have said they plan to stay away until the current special session ends.