Democrats went to Washington, D.C., in protest of voting legislation they viewed as too restrictive during the first special session called by Gov. Greg Abbott that began July 8. The current special session called by Abbott began on Aug. 7.
“We took the fight for voting rights to Washington, D.C., and brought national attention to the partisan push in our state to weaken ballot access. Our efforts were successful and served as the primary catalyst to push Congress to take action on federal voter protection legislation. Now, we continue the fight on the House Floor.” said Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston; Rep. Ana Hernandez, D-Houston; and Rep. Armando Walle, D-Houston, in a joint statement.
The three Houston lawmakers helped the House reach a quorum by returning to the floor Aug. 19.
“The Texas Senate welcomes the House to the 87th Second Called Special Session,” Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a tweet.
Some Democrats questioned that a quorum had actually been reached. “There is not quorum on the floor of the Texas House today. The numbers are not there," Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, said in a tweet.
The House quickly adjourned and plans to take up a slew of bills, including the signature Republican voting bill Senate Bill 1, already passed by the Texas Senate.
