After allowing Democrats to flee Austin for Washington D.C. to break quorum, many Republicans are suddenly rallying around punitive measures to bring them back.
But one Republican lawmaker is instead calling for “moderation.”
In order for the House to conduct business, a quorum of two-thirds of the chamber’s members (100 out of 150) is required to be present. Democrats currently hold 67 of the chamber’s seats.
In order to block consideration of election integrity legislation, House Democrats flew to Washington D.C., thus freezing consideration of bills during the 30-day special session, which began on July 8.
In an interview with KBTX News on Monday, however, State Rep. Kyle Kacal (R–Bryan) says he thinks Democrats should be given “a victory or two” in order to compel them to return.
“The Democrats told us that they would walk out if they weren’t happy, and apparently they’re not happy,” said Kacal.
“They are walking out, and it doesn’t look like they’re going to return. We need to have some communication and come up with a moderated deal that brings everybody to the table and makes sure they have a victory or two.”
On Tuesday, after only 80 members were marked as present, the House passed a motion for a “call of the House,” locking the doors and directing the sergeant-at-arms to send for absent members “under warrant for arrest if necessary.” Kacal voted to approve the motion.
