As the Texas Legislature barrels toward the end of the legislative session, Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan of Beaumont is apparently looking forward to a “gnarly” summer vacation.
Stoked for some tasty waves on the Texas Coast this summer after #txlege hits its gnarly Sine Die! pic.twitter.com/TCJ2L4yp4s
— Dade Phelan (@DadePhelan) April 25, 2023
Phelan’s comments come as the Texas House continues to drag its feet—or surfboards—on passing conservative priority legislation.
Thus far, the Texas House has approved one GOP priority: protecting kids from explicit materials in school libraries. Although important, it’s a mere ripple in the current of what citizens are asking for.
The House has yet to pass legislation on border security, school choice, banning child gender mutilation, protecting minors from explicit performances, or protecting gun rights, among other conservative priorities.
Nevertheless, Phelan—one of the three most powerful men in the world’s nineth-largest economy—says he is ready for a vacation.
“It seems odd to me that while the Texas House is actively killing election integrity legislation and sitting on a DEI ban in Texas universities, Dade Phelan has determined that one of his top priorities is making sure that Texans know that he exercises regularly,” conservative commentator and political strategist Luke Macias told Texas Scorecard.
Citizens left salty comments on Phelan’s post:
“How about passing the bill for school choice, stopping the ‘affirming care industry’ from genitally mutilating our children, and stop groomers and drag queens from having access to children! Then go surf!!!!! Texas Republicans deserve more than pandering slimy politicians,” said one citizen.
“My non homestead appraisal went up 16% this year. Sure would enjoy a 5% across the board appraisal cap. Property tax bills in Texas are much bigger than the waves,” replied another.
“Posting photos without a shirt on does NOT improve people’s opinion of your actions,” argued one man.
“Didn’t know RINOs could surf!🦏🦏🦏🦏🦏🦏🦏🦏” posted another. “DO YOUR JOB!!!!!!!”
Thus far, the Texas House does not have any additional priority legislation on the calendar for this week.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, meanwhile, has teased the potential of a special session—legislative overtime—if the House continues to move slowly on conservative priorities, which could put a damper on Phelan’s summer plans.
