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The Texas House failed to reach quorum again on Friday amid the ongoing battle over redistricting. Texas Democrats fled the state to avoid a vote on the proposed plan. The state constitution requires at least 100 members present for the 150-member House to do business, and Republicans hold an 88-62 majority in the chamber. Only 95 lawmakers were counted as present. Meanwhile, Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows continued to put pressure on democrats who left the state. “We have all hands on deck,“ Burrows said. “Each one of you knows eventually you will come back.” Burrows said the each absent member’s operating budget will be restricted, and absent members must appear in person in order to make certain requests. Burrows also suspended direct deposits for absent members, forcing representatives to collect paychecks in person. The current special session ends Aug. 19, and the missing lawmakers already face mounting fines for every day they are gone, and civil arrest warrants issued by the state House. Subscribe to LiveNOW from FOX! Where to watch LiveNOW from FOX: Follow us @LiveNOWFOX on Twitter: Raw and unfiltered. Watch a non-stop stream of breaking news, live events and stories across the nation. Limited commentary. No opinion. Experience LiveNOW from FOX.
