On Tuesday, State Rep. Tony Tinderholt (R-Arlington) accused House State Affairs Chairman Byron Cook (R-Corsicana) of “hiding behind the Office of Attorney General.”
In a letter delivered to Cook and obtained by Texas Scorecard, Tinderholt takes Cook to task for his refusal to set HB 948 for a hearing. Authored by Tinderholt and ten other Republican members of the Texas House, HB 948 would abolish abortion in the state of Texas.
Cook has thus far refused to set HB 948 for a hearing, claiming that he is killing the legislation because Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office has said that it is “unconstitutional.”
Here is his letter in full:
Dear Representative Cook,
Thank you for the letter expressing your concerns on HB 948. We have had several conversations regarding this bill in the past few weeks.
Let me first say that all human life is precious and should be protected under state and federal law. I have voted for every pro-life bill that has come before the Texas House since my time in the legislature. I know we disagree on this issue, as you have taken positions that have affirmed your belief that there are unborn children who should be able to be aborted in our state.
Representative Cook, we are the Texas Legislature. We determine what laws are best to protect our citizens. Perhaps you and I have a difference of opinion on whether or not Roe v. Wade should be the law of the land. Perhaps that is the more serious difference of opinion we face.
Representative Cook, I will not let you hide behind the Office of Attorney General on this issue. You are the Chairman of the House Committee on State Affairs. In reference to issues before your committee, you alone decide which bills get a hearing and which do not.
Thank you for coming to me with your concern.
For Texas,
Tony Tinderholt
State Representative, HD 94
