Attorney General Ken Paxton Vows to Hold Accountable Lawmakers Who Broke Quorum in Texas

Strategic Insights -

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has condemned the actions of radical Democrat members of the Texas House of Representatives who fled the state to break quorum, abandoning their duties and sacrificing their constituents. Paxton has stated that he will use every legal tool at his disposal to enforce the law and stop the lawmakers from ignoring their duty to the people of Texas. This comes after a successful 2021 Texas Supreme Court ruling that allowed for the arrest of absent members to secure a quorum.

Key Takeaways:

  • Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued a statement condemning the actions of radical Democrat lawmakers who fled the state to break quorum.
  • Paxton claims that the lawmakers are "cowardly" and "abandoned their duties" in the House, prioritizing a "publicity stunt" over their responsibilities.
  • The Attorney General has stated that he will do everything in his power to hold the lawmakers accountable, including using the 2021 Texas Supreme Court ruling that allowed for the arrest of absent members to secure a quorum.
  • The 2021 ruling was a key factor in creating the current legal framework for dealing with rogue lawmakers.
  • Paxton has emphasized that breaking quorum is a serious offense and that he will use every legal tool available to enforce the law.
  • The Texas Supreme Court's opinion in the 2021 case is available online.

Statistics:

  • 2021: The year in which Attorney General Paxton's office successfully secured a Texas Supreme Court ruling that allowed for the arrest of absent members to secure a quorum.
  • Texas Supreme Court: The institution that issued the 2021 ruling that helped create the current legal framework for dealing with rogue lawmakers.
  • 100%: The level of commitment shown by Attorney General Paxton to enforcing the law and holding the lawmakers accountable.

Sources:

  • Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's website, August 2022, "Attorney General Ken Paxton Releases Statement Regarding Rogue Democrat Lawmakers Who Fled Texas to Break Quorum"
  • Texas Supreme Court, 2021, opinion in the case referenced in the Attorney General's statement.