Live updates: Texas GOP issues arrest warrants in redistricting showdown with Democrats
Texas Democrats who have taken refuge in blue states to protest GOP-led redistricting in the Lone Star State face civil arrest warrants after missing a legislative session on Monday.
Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R) signed the warrants, which allow for the Democrats’ arrests, as Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday called their protest “crazy bluster” and said the state would push ahead with redrawing maps.
“Democrats are freaking out because they are realizing Texas has the authority to redistrict, and we’re going to do so in a way that’s going to lead to these additional seats that will vote Republican, and they will be serving in Congress in the next session,” Abbott told Fox News’s Sean Hannity on Monday night.
Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Ken Martin told CNN on Monday night that Republicans are getting what they asked for: “Donald Trump, Greg Abbott, Ken Paxton, they said they wanted a showdown. And guess what? That’s exactly what they’re getting. A showdown.”
The Texas House needs two-thirds of its members present to vote; Democrats’ absence has deprived the chamber of that quorum. It will convene its second legislative day, likely without Democrats, on Tuesday.
In Washington, President Trump is set to join CNBC for an interview Tuesday morning and sign an executive order on later in the afternoon.
Just days ahead of his new tariff scheme taking effect and in the wake of a weak jobs report, he faces concern from Republicans on Capitol Hill.
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Follow along all day for updates.