Texas House Republican leadership has suspended direct deposit for more than 50 Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to block a GOP-backed redistricting plan, forcing them to collect paychecks and per diems in person at the Capitol. The move is the latest escalation in what Republicans are calling a redistricting mutiny.
House Speaker Dustin Burrows said the suspension applies to any member absent solely to break quorum. Daily fines of $500 also remain in effect, and civil arrest warrants have been authorized for the absent members.
HOLY CRAP! The Texas House is REVOKING the automatic check deposit ability of ANY Dem who didn’t appear solely to break quorum.
They have to appear on the grounds to obtain their pay.
This is how you do it! pic.twitter.com/Ddq6NgV3oR
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) August 8, 2025
From Bipartisan Wins to Quorum-Breaking Standoff
Just months earlier, during Texas’ 89th Legislative Session, Republicans and Democrats worked together to pass legislation on:
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Mental health expansion – boosting crisis intervention services and community-based care
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Education reform – revising student discipline rules under House Bill 6
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Energy reliability legislation – enhancing grid accountability while balancing traditional and renewable sources
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Preserving the Texas Dream Act – siding with Democrats to maintain in-state tuition for certain undocumented students
That cooperation ended in the August special session called by Governor Greg Abbott to address mid-decade redistricting. The GOP proposal, supported by President Donald Trump, would reshape congressional districts in ways Republicans say reflect population changes, while Democrats argue it dilutes minority voting power.
The Mutiny Unfolds
On August 3, more than 50 House Democrats left for Illinois and other states, preventing the two-thirds quorum needed to conduct business.
Rep. Brian Harrison (R-Midlothian) posted on X:
FACT: Texas Republican leadership ALLOWED the quorum break to happen.
FACT: Texas Republican leadership has all the tools to end it.
FACT: We do NOT need the courts to force the Democrats back.
— Brian Harrison (@brianeharrison) August 8, 2025
Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed suit in Illinois seeking cooperation in returning lawmakers to Texas. Republicans have also frozen certain members’ office budgets, newsletter capabilities, and travel reimbursements for members who have broken the quorum until they return.
High-Stakes Fight
Democrats acknowledge they cannot stop the redistricting plan forever but hope to delay passage and draw national attention ahead of the 2026 midterms. Republicans have pledged to keep calling special sessions until the maps pass, ensuring the redistricting mutiny remains the focal point in Texas politics heading into fall.