The political battle over new congressional maps in Texas is heating up, with the issue moving to the House floor on Wednesday. While both Republicans and Democrats plan to challenge the maps through amendments and points of order, it looks like the maps will still pass, potentially giving Republicans five additional seats.
What’s Happening in Texas on Wednesday?
The vote on the new congressional maps is set to take place after Democrats returned to the House on Monday, finally achieving a quorum after being absent for two weeks.
Speaker Dustin Burrows has ordered all the Democratic lawmakers who had left the state to break the quorum to sign permission slips. These slips will allow Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) agents to escort them back to the House chamber for the vote on Wednesday.
The Disagreement Over Permission Slips
Representative Nicole Collier of Fort Worth has refused to sign the permission slip. On Tuesday afternoon, a moment captured on social media showed Collier waving to supporters outside the chamber as other lawmakers visited her.
While some Democrats stand by Collier’s choice, others have signed the slips. Representative Mihaela Plesa of Dallas said, “I signed it, but I am standing strong with Representative Collier. She is showing courage in not signing what she believes is wrong.”
However, Representative Brent Money, a Republican from Greenville, defended Collier’s right to make her own decision. He remarked, “It’s her choice. She can leave now if she wants. She has decided it’s in her best interest to stay.”
Democrats and Republicans Clash Over DPS Escorts
The disagreement over the permission slips and the DPS escorts has become a key issue. Democrats argue that these escorts are a waste of taxpayers’ money, while Republicans defend the measure, pointing to the Texas Constitution, which allows the legislature to enforce a quorum.
As the political showdown continues, the vote on congressional maps is set to move forward despite the pushback. Both sides are digging in their heels, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold on Wednesday. Will the maps pass as expected, or will the Democrats succeed in challenging the process?
