FBI Locates Texas Democrats Who Fled State Amid Quorum Standoff

The political standoff in Texas is intensifying as GOP U.S. Sen. John Cornyn announced that FBI Director Kash Patel has agreed to help locate House Democrats who fled the state to block a quorum during a special session on congressional redistricting.

Gov. Greg Abbott has blasted the walkout, accusing Democrats of abandoning their sworn duties. The absence of lawmakers prevented the Texas House from conducting business on legislation dealing with election integrity and border security. Abbott has vowed to call special sessions every 30 days until the work is done and has already begun removal proceedings against at least one absent lawmaker, The Hill reported.

The Texas House has issued civil arrest warrants, suspended pay and per diems, and approved budget cuts for the offices of members participating in the walkout, and the state’s Attorney General is investigating a Democratic PAC that may have helped fund the effort. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has joined calls for their return.