If you’ve been following the news lately, you’ve probably seen the headlines: 51 Texas House Democrats fled the state to block conservative legislation and “save democracy.” That’s their line, anyway. In reality, they boarded private jets and flew to Illinois for a photo op with a liberal governor—sipping cocktails in a fancy hotel.
At the time I write this, we are on Day 5 of the Democrat quorum break and the situation is ongoing. As your representative for House District 13, I want you to know I’m here in Austin working hard for our community every day.
Here’s the truth: we’ve seen this play before—and we already know how it ends.
In 2003, a group of House Democrats fled to Oklahoma in an attempt to block redistricting. It didn’t work. We passed the maps. In 2021, over 50 Democrats fled to Washington, D.C. to stop our election integrity legislation. That failed too—Texas passed one of the strongest election security laws in the nation.
Now, in 2025, they’re trying again. And just like before, it will fail. But while Democrats are on “vacation,” folks in House District 13 and all of Texas are paying the price.
They’re holding up bills that would bring flood relief to devastated communities in Hill Country and improve disaster preparedness across Texas. They’re stalling critical groundwater protection measures—something especially urgent for rural areas like ours where large-scale water exports threaten to drain our aquifers. They’re blocking long-overdue reforms to the STAAR test—despite claiming they stand with teachers and students.
I am 100% with Governor Abbott, Speaker Burrows, and my Republican colleagues in using every tool in our toolbox to bring these runaway Democrats back to the Capitol.
First, I signed and voted for a “Call of the House” motion that authorizes law enforcement to track down and return absent members to the chamber. This is a constitutional power that’s been used before, including in 2021, and it remains one of our most effective tools for restoring quorum. As soon as a House Democrat steps foot in Texas, they will be swiftly arrested and brought back to the House chamber.
Second, I voted for a $500 fine per day for members who skip session without permission. Estimates show that it will take roughly half a million dollars for them to break quorum the rest of this special session. And this money must come from their own wallet, not campaign funds.
Third, Governor Abbott has made clear he’s prepared to go to court to seek removal of legislators who intentionally abandon their post. A 2021 legal opinion says lawmakers who deliberately break quorum could be treated as having vacated their seat. That’s a serious consequence—and we are prepared to pursue it.
Beyond that, I am pursuing additional penalties, including stripping absent members of their seniority, committee chairmanships, budgets, and staff. No one is above accountability.
They didn’t just leave the Capitol—they left behind the very people they claim to represent.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a principled stand. It’s a partisan stunt. And Texans know better.
Thank you for reading my weekly column! Make sure you stay connected and informed by calling our Capitol office at (512) 463-0600 or by following my social media page at www.facebook.com/AngeliaOrrForTX.
–Conservative State Representative Angelia Orr
