Senator John Cornyn announced Thursday that FBI Director Kash Patel granted his request for help locating Texas House Democrats who left the state to block GOP redistricting efforts.
Federal Action Requested
Cornyn sent a letter Tuesday urging federal assistance in tracking down the lawmakers who fled to prevent a quorum. He thanked President Donald Trump and Director Patel for taking swift action, saying the Democrats must be held accountable for avoiding their constitutional duties.
Democrats Accused of Irresponsibility
Speaking on “The Mark Davis Show,” Cornyn called the Democrats’ absence “irresponsible,” especially given urgent legislation tied to recent flooding. He said their protest would ultimately fail, calling it “a stunt.”
Redistricting Fight Continues
The Texas House has repeatedly failed to pass the GOP’s new congressional map, which could give Republicans up to five more seats in the next midterms—enough to solidify their U.S. House majority. House Speaker Rep. Dustin Burrows said another attempt to establish quorum would happen Friday.
State and Federal Pressure Mounts
Gov. Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to arrest the Democrats and return them to Austin. Meanwhile, Trump told ABC News the FBI may need to intervene, insisting lawmakers can’t “sit it out” and must “fight it out.”
For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.