(Austin, TEXAS) – Today, Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Chris Turner issued the following statement:

“For the past 38 days, Texas House Democrats have denied quorum to prevent Texas Republicans from undermining our democracy by forcing anti-voter bills through the legislative process.  And, based on numerous media reports, it seems evident there was not a true quorum present today — ironic, given this entire session is premised around Republicans preaching about so-called voter integrity.

“By taking bold action and breaking quorum, House Democrats secured major victories for Texans and for voters across the country. Through our determination and unity, we derailed Gov. Abbott’s entire first special session, preventing passage of anti-voter bills and other pointless, partisan legislation. Through our continued efforts, we have already burned up a third of Abbott’s second special session, which is nothing more than a prop for his re-election campaign. 

“Our hard work in the nation’s capital resulted in clear and urgent action from Congress to prioritize sweeping voter protection legislation. By bringing this fight to Washington, D.C., we moved voting rights off the backburner and ignited a national movement. In fact, next week, the U.S. House is expected to return from recess to take up H.R. 4 — the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act — well ahead of schedule. H.R. 4 and H.R. 1 — the For the People Act — are pivotal to protecting Texans from discriminatory voting laws and redistricting schemes, and we will continue to press for their passage.    

“All 66 members of the Democratic Caucus oppose Texas Republicans’ efforts to erect deliberate barriers to voting, barriers based on the Big Lie. We will fight with everything we have in this special session to protect Texas voters and push for real solutions to the actual issues families in our state face every day.”