Texas Senator John Cornyn is taking a hard stand against state House Democrats who bolted from a special legislative session. Their exit on Sunday was a calculated move to block a Republican-led congressional map by denying quorum.
According to The Hill, Cornyn sent a pointed letter to FBI Director Kash Patel on Tuesday, pushing for federal assistance in locating and arresting these lawmakers. Some have fled to states like Illinois and New York, out of reach of Texas authorities.
This isn’t just a local spat; it’s a breakdown of the basic democratic process. Cornyn argues that running away instead of debating and voting undermines the very system they swore to uphold.
Cornyn’s request to the FBI isn’t a casual ask; it’s a demand for serious resources. He stressed that the agency has the means to track individuals across state lines, a capability the Texas Department of Public Safety lacks in this scenario.
“I request the FBI’s assistance, as federal resources are necessary to locate the out-of-state Texas legislators who are potentially acting in violation of the law,” Cornyn wrote. Let’s unpack that: if you’re dodging your duty by crossing borders, should state lines really be a shield?
The senator’s point cuts deep. Hiding out in another state doesn’t erase the obligation to serve the people who elected you, nor does it excuse potentially breaking the law.
On Monday, Governor Greg Abbott ordered the arrest of these absent Democrats, charging that they violated their oath of office. He’s not stopping there; an investigation is underway to see if bribery laws were broken through external help covering their fines.
Texas law slaps a $500 fine for each day these lawmakers skip the special session intentionally. That’s a steep price for dodging responsibility, but is it enough to bring them back to the table?
Abbott’s 30-day special session isn’t just about redistricting; it’s also meant to tackle urgent issues like recent flooding that claimed over 100 lives. Walking away now isn’t just political gamesmanship; it’s a slap to Texans needing leadership.
Cornyn didn’t mince words in his letter, calling out the lawmakers for shirking constitutional duties. “These legislators have committed potential criminal acts in their rush to avoid their responsibilities and must be fully investigated and held accountable,” he told Patel.
That’s a sharp jab, and it lands hard. If you’re willing to abandon your post over a map disagreement, what stops you from dodging other tough votes when the heat is on?
The senator also flagged the bribery concerns echoed by Abbott, suggesting outside assistance in paying fines could be a legal violation. This isn’t just about absence; it’s about whether strings are being pulled behind the scenes.
At its core, this saga exposes a troubling trend: opting out when the going gets tough. Cornyn’s push for FBI involvement signals that representation isn’t optional, even if you disagree with the agenda.
The special session, called to address critical matters like redistricting and disaster response, can’t function without a quorum. Texans deserve lawmakers who show up, debate, and vote, not ones who vanish to make a point.
While some might see this as a bold protest against a GOP map potentially adding five U.S. House seats for Republicans in future midterms, it’s hard to justify abandoning constituents in crisis. Cornyn’s call for accountability, backed by federal muscle, reminds us that democracy isn’t a game of hide-and-seek.
