Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said on Monday that he will veto funding for the state legislature, a day after House Democrats staged a walkout of the chamber in an effort to prevent the passage of a sweeping election overhaul bill.
Texas Democrats abandoned the House floor ahead of a midnight deadline in an attempt to temporarily kill the bill by breaking the quorum needed to hold a final vote on it. According to the state House rules, at least 100 members are required to be present for the chamber to conduct business.
Their move comes after hours of debate on Senate Bill 7, which had already passed the state Senate on Sunday morning.
In a statement on Monday, Abbott announced his intention to prevent the funding of the legislative branch, citing the actions of Democrat lawmakers the day before.
I will veto Article 10 of the budget passed by the legislature.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 31, 2021
Article 10 funds the legislative branch.
No pay for those who abandon their responsibilities.
Stay tuned.
“I will veto Article 10 of the budget passed by the legislature. Article 10 funds the legislative branch. No pay for those who abandon their responsibilities. Stay tuned,” he wrote.
Following the walkout, Abbott issued a statement denouncing the move, characterizing it as “deeply disappointing and concerning.” He vowed to call a special session to revisit the bill.
“At the beginning of the legislative session, I declared Election Integrity and Bail Reform to be must-pass emergency items. It is deeply disappointing and concerning for Texans that neither reached my desk. Ensuring the integrity of our elections and reforming a broken bail system remain emergencies in Texas, which is why these items, along with other priority items, will be added to the special session agenda,” Abbott said.
“I expect legislators to have worked out their differences prior to arriving back at the Capitol so that they can hit the ground running to pass legislation related to these emergency items and other priority legislation. During the special session, we will continue to advance policies that put the people of Texas first.”
BY JANITA KAN
