Top state Republicans had set Friday deadline before Democrats who have left face arrest or removal from office
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The Texas house of representatives reconvened without the necessary number of lawmakers to conduct business on Friday, the deadline set by top state Republicans before the Democrats who have left for blue states face consequences.
Texas Republican leaders have said in recent days that they would escalate their tactics if the more than 50 Democrats, who left the state last week in an effort to block Republicans’ redistricting plans, do not return to the capital by Friday.
During the short house session on Friday Dustin Burrows, the house speaker said state authorities are working to make civil arrest warrants against the Democrats enforceable outside of Texas. He also said the legislature is now withholding Democrats’ direct deposit payments, requiring lawmakers to pick them up in-person at the capitol.
