US: Arrest warrants issued for Democratic lawmakers for absenteeism from parliament sessions
US: Arrest warrants issued for Democratic lawmakers for absenteeism from parliament sessions
2025-08-05 00:44
Shafaq News – Washington
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that arrest warrants have been issued for members of the Democratic Party’s legislative branch.
This action is Abbott’s latest attempt to force Democrats back to the Capitol, escalating a dispute that has been ongoing since more than 50 Democratic lawmakers left the state to disrupt a vote on the redistricting map, which would give Republicans five additional seats in Congress.
“The flight of House Democrats from the state means holding vital bills hostage, including those designed to help flood victims and provide property tax relief. There are consequences for those who fail to do their duty,” Abbott said in a statement.
Abbott continued, “I have ordered the state Department of Public Safety to search for any lawmaker who has deviated from their duty to the people of Texas, arrest them, and return them to the Capitol building.” He added, “This order will remain in effect until all absent Democratic lawmakers are located and returned to the House.”
Democrats left Texas in an attempt to stop a vote on a redistricting proposal spearheaded by US President Donald Trump, which could give Republicans up to five seats in the 2026 midterm elections.
Democratic representatives face a $500 fine for each day they are absent and break the House quorum.
Democrats, for their part, assert that the redistricting map represents “illegal suppression of Black and Latino voters in Central Texas” and poses a “threat to American democracy.”
shafaq.com
