Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday known as a second special session to push by a redrawing of congressional maps to safe as much as 5 extra Republican seats within the US House.
Unlike the primary special session, the new 30-day session might finish with the GOP-friendly maps being handed. Texas House Democrats who fled the state to cease the redistricting signaled Thursday they’re ready to finish their standoff and return to the Capitol.
The Democrats laid out two situations for returning: the primary special session ending and California introducing its new congressional map to offset GOP positive aspects in Texas by producing as much as 5 new US House seats for Democrats.
The California legislature is about to convene on Monday to start the legislative course of round their proposed map. And the second special session Abbott known as started Friday afternoon.
Texas House Democrats may return to Austin as quickly as Monday, a supply acquainted with the matter mentioned.
Abbott blasted Texas House Democrats who stalled efforts on redistricting and different points.
“Delinquent House Democrats ran away from their responsibility to pass crucial legislation to benefit the lives of Texans,” Abbott mentioned. “We will not back down from this fight. That’s why I am calling them back today to finish the job. I will continue to use all necessary tools to ensure Texas delivers results for Texans.”
Republicans are anticipated to think about the identical map that was launched within the first special session, however Abbott left the door open to additional modifications.
Asked whether or not he’s ready so as to add Republican seats to the map or think about redistricting for state legislative seats, Abbott advised reporters, “We’ll wait and see, but we hold a lot more bullets in our belt that we’ll be ready to use if we need to.”
When the second special session started Friday, Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows mentioned he expects quorum may very well be met on Monday and hopes lawmakers can full legislative enterprise by Labor Day weekend.
Burrows suggested lawmakers to return to the state Capitol by 12 p.m. Central (1 p.m. Eastern) on Monday.
The Texas House of Representatives and Senate adjourned the primary special session Friday morning after state House Democrats remained out of the state for practically two weeks to disclaim a quorum.
“I am proud of what we accomplished. We ended a session that had nothing to do with helping Texans and everything to do with silencing them,” state Rep. Ann Johnson mentioned. “And we uncovered the reality behind the Governor’s political agenda: to hijack the maps, erase opposition, and resolve the following election earlier than a single vote is forged.
Upon their return, the Democrats plan to make their case in opposition to the invoice on the Texas House flooring. Legal challenges to the map are also anticipated.
In addition to redistricting, the second special session will handle flood reduction following the catastrophic storms within the Texas Hill County final month and a slew of different conservative priorities.
The agenda largely mirrors the plans set forth for the primary special session however provides in consideration of laws regarding camp security. Dozens of campers and camp staff died within the July 4 floods within the state.