Texas Senator John Cornyn is calling on the FBI to assist state authorities in locating and arresting Democratic legislators who left the state to block a vote on redistricting.
In a letter addressed to FBI Director Kash Patel, Cornyn requested federal help in investigating what he described as potentially criminal actions, including bribery and public corruption.
The controversy began when Texas House Democrats fled the state on Sunday, deliberately denying the chamber a quorum and halting legislative proceedings.
Without a quorum, the House is unable to conduct official business, including voting on key redistricting legislation. As of Tuesday, the chamber still lacked the necessary number of members present to proceed.
“Running Away” Undermines Democracy
In his letter, Cornyn criticized the lawmakers’ actions as undemocratic, stating, “In a representative democracy, we resolve our differences by debating and voting, not by running away.”
According to Cornyn, some of the legislators fled to New York, while others went to Illinois. Their absence has stalled the legislative process during a special session called by Governor Greg Abbott, with time-sensitive issues hanging in the balance.
He argued that the Texas Department of Public Safety may lack the jurisdiction to act outside state lines and therefore needs federal support.
“These legislators have committed potential criminal acts in their rush to avoid their constitutional responsibilities and must be fully investigated and held accountable,” Cornyn wrote.
Bribery and Outside Support Raise Legal Questions
Cornyn’s letter also highlighted concerns over possible financial support received by the lawmakers during their time out of state.
He wrote that any legislators who “solicited or accepted funds to aid in their efforts to avoid their legislative duties may be guilty of bribery or other public corruption offenses.”
The senator referenced public comments made by individuals outside Texas supporting the Democrats’ decision to leave. He noted this as part of a broader concern about out-of-state interference in Texas’ legislative matters.
Gov. Hochul Defends Hosting Texas Democrats
New York Governor Kathy Hochul acknowledged in an op-ed that she hosted members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus at the New York Capitol and governor’s residence.
In her piece published Tuesday by the Houston Chronicle, Hochul described the lawmakers’ actions as “a legitimate and legal tactic.”
Quoting the late civil rights leader John Lewis, Hochul wrote,
“Sometimes you have to get into good trouble,” adding that the Democrats were not acting alone.
Her comments, while supportive, drew criticism from Texas officials, who argue the lawmakers are obstructing the legislative process.
Texas Legislature Faces Time Constraints
Cornyn emphasized the urgency of the situation, as the Texas Legislature is currently in a special session with limited time to address pressing issues.
Among the concerns he cited was the recent flooding in Kerrville, Texas, which caused significant damage and displacement for residents. The absence of the Democrats continues to prevent any legislative response to such crises.
“Governor Abbott and Texas state law enforcement officers are doing what they can within the confines of the law, but federal help may be necessary,” Cornyn wrote.
