The Texas House of Representatives has a quorum for the first time since mid-July, when dozens of Democrats left the state in order to block a quorum. That means lawmakers will be able to take up a controversial elections bill. Democrats had gone to Washington, D.C. to prevent the Republican-controlled House from ramming through the legislation over their objections.
In the past few weeks, a handful of Democrats have returned home from Washington. Thursday afternoon, three more entered the Texas House chamber in Austin, giving the House enough members to legally conduct business.
"We have to know what our responsibilities are...and we have to work to move something in the direction of where we want it to be. That has a lot to do with civility," said State Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston, who was invited to give the opening prayer when the House convened on Thursday. "I pray that we look inside about where we want this world to go, this state, this House... and look at it from the perspective of trying to find as much common ground as can be found." Rep. Coleman had remained in Houston during the walkout by other state legislators because of a medical problem. A portion of his right leg was amputated earlier this year because of complications from a severe illness.
Republican House Speaker Dade Phelan told the Democrats he was glad they had returned.
"This has been a very long summer. We've been through a lot. I appreciate you all being here. It's time to get back to the business of the people of Texas," Phelan said. "I appreciate every one of you and look forward to working with you for the next week or two."
The second special session of the Texas Legislature is scheduled to run through September 5th. Several Democrats are still in Washington. Some have publicly criticized the decision by their colleagues to return to Austin.
During the brief session of the Texas House on Thursday, the Speaker referred the election security bill and several other bills to House committees. One committee is scheduled to meet today. The committee that will hear the elections bill, Senate Bill 1, will meet on Saturday. The full Texas House is scheduled to re-convene Monday afternoon.
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