AUSTIN, TEXAS — The Texas House Democratic Caucus issued the following statement in response to today’s House Administration Committee hearing on quorum-break fines and costs:
During the hearing, Democratic members raised repeated concerns that key records tied to claimed enforcement costs were produced at the eleventh hour, including additional materials disclosed the morning of the hearing. Members were asked to respond in real time to political and financial claims without the full review window that basic fairness requires, and without the due process that the House Rules, Texas Constitution, and United States Constitution demand.
After hours of testimony and questioning, significant concerns remained about whether all claimed costs were fully substantiated. House Republicans moved forward anyway.
Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Gene Wu said: “The House can enforce its rules, and members can use constitutional tools when our constituents’ representation is under attack. But if leadership is going to impose thousands of dollars in personal penalties, it has to provide timely notice, transparent records, and a meaningful chance to respond. That did not happen today. We made the decision to break quorum to defend fair representation for Texans, and we would make that same decision again.
“As the Caucus evaluates next steps, House Democrats remain focused on doing the business and acting on the priorities Texans actually care about: affordable healthcare, clean air and water, and strong investments in public education.”