Proceedings in the Texas House of Representatives have once again hit a stall, as members of the House failed to show up resulting in a lack of quorum.
The chamber’s rules require 100 members to be present in order to conduct business.
On Friday morning, only 99 members were present.
Those absent included a mix of Republicans and Democrats.
“34 Democrats out of 64, didn’t bother to show up,” State Rep. Steve Toth (R–The Woodlands) said in a video posted to social media. “And of course some Republicans as well.”
“Sadly there are too many Republicans on this list that did not bother to show up for their constitutionally mandated job performance today, where we still got border security bills to pass and education for the important work of the people of Texas,” State Rep. Brian Harrison (R–Midlothian) added.
This is the third time in the last two weeks that the House has been frozen due to a lack of quorum.
“We’re not able to get these priorities done for our district when people don’t even show up and we’re getting paid to show up,” said State Rep. Nate Schatzline (R–Ft Worth).
“We’re elected we have a job to do. We’re actually paid to be here today by the state,” said State Rep. Tony Tinderholt (R–Arlington). “There’s per diem and then there’s travel. We’re paid to be here. Look, people are getting paid, whether they’re here or not. It’s despicable.”
Unable to do business, House Speaker Dade Phelan adjourned the House until 9 a.m. Saturday morning.
