Texas lawmakers fleeing the Capito

Pay Frozen for Absent Texas Democrats

The Texas House voted to block direct-deposit pay for Democratic lawmakers who left the state to prevent a vote on a GOP-backed voting bill.

Members who fled now lose access to their salaries and are fined $500 per day until they return.

Why the Standoff Began

Democrats left for Washington, D.C., denying Republicans the quorum needed to pass voting legislation. GOP leaders called it sabotage, while Democrats said it was a stand for democracy.

Republican Pressure and Democratic Pushback

House Speaker Dade Phelan said, “Texans expect their representatives to show up and do their jobs.”

Governor Greg Abbott added, “If Democrats want to be paid, they can come back and get to work.”

Democrats argue the move is retaliation. Representative Gina Hinojosa said, “We will not be bullied into returning to pass legislation that makes voting harder.”

Growing Stakes

As fines mount, both sides remain locked in a political showdown with no resolution in sight.