January 1, Texas House Speaker Slams Fleeing Democrats

Wyatt’s Take

• Texas House leader takes aim at Democrats who skipped town.
• Chairs and privileges could be stripped from lawmakers who bailed.
• Standoff shows deep divides in Texas politics right now.

Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan sent a blunt message to Democratic lawmakers who ditched the state to stall a Republican-backed voting bill. He warned they could lose powerful committee spots and other perks if they don’t get back to work.

These Democrats left Texas, hoping to block new voting measures by denying enough members for the House to operate. It left key work unfinished in the Legislature.

Speaker Phelan didn’t mince words.

“These actions are a breach of the public trust,”

he declared, threatening to punish lawmakers who keep running away instead of confronting debate on the House floor.

The House needs a certain number present, or quorum, to hold votes. By ditching, these Democrats shut down lawmaking and forced the state to stall on important business.

This move not only halted the voting bill, but other pressing state matters too—something many Texans feel is unfair. Phelan’s warning sets the stage for an even more tense session ahead.

What happens next might change how lawmakers act during future standoffs—and who speaks for the everyday Texan at the Capitol.

Stay tuned for more grit right from the Texas Legislature.

Wyatt Matters

When elected officials walk out on the job, it’s regular folks who pay the price. Folks here want leaders who show up, put in the work, and stand their ground face to face, not run from tough debates.

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