Just hours after controversial draft rules for the Texas House were released, the chamber rushed through a vote to approve them—without allowing debate or amendments—escalating tensions between reform-minded Republicans and House leadership.
As reported earlier today, the proposed rules maintained and expanded a power-sharing arrangement between Republicans and Democrats, granting Democrat vice-chairs significant authority and introducing pathways for Democrat control of new standing subcommittees. While Republicans would only be eligible to serve as chairs, all vice-chairs would be required to be Democrats.
The rushed release and subsequent vote raised concerns about transparency and House Speaker Dustin Burrows’ willingness to prioritize the party’s agenda.
During the debate—or lack thereof—State Rep. Todd Hunter attempted to shield Burrows from criticism, claiming that no member, including Burrows, received the rules early. Hunter urged members to direct their frustrations at him instead.
State Rep. Tony Tinderholt proposed postponing consideration of the rules to allow members time to review and amend the 250-page document, as members only received it after 4 a.m. this morning. However, Burrows refused to entertain the motion.
Before amendments could even be offered, efforts were cut off by State Rep. Jared Patterson, who invoked the motion for the previous question, commonly referred to as a “nuclear option.” This rare procedural move immediately ends all debate and forces a vote.
The motion passed 107-35, effectively shutting down any opportunity to discuss or amend the rules.
The final vote on the rules was 116-23, cementing the controversial provisions.
For reform-minded Republicans, the move is being viewed as a declaration of war. Many had hoped to use the amendment process to strengthen Republican control and address the concerns of their constituents, who have long opposed bipartisan power-sharing arrangements.
Instead, those opportunities were steamrolled by the leadership’s tactics.
Tinderholt pointed out in a social media post following the vote that nearly every Democrat voted to “ban Democrat chairs.”
Today almost every House Democrat voted to “ban dem chairs”.
Why? Because this rules package gave them even more power.
Democrats were laughing when it passed.
This is what happens when a minority of Republicans partner with Dems to pick the speaker! #txlege
— Rep. Tony Tinderholt (@reptinderholt) January 23, 2025
With the rules now approved, the chamber adjourned until Monday at 4 p.m. for a long weekend.
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