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Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, revealed on Thursday that the FBI has agreed to assist in locating Texas Democratic lawmakers who left the state to delay a GOP redistricting vote.
Cornyn stated that the FBI has agreed to help Texas law enforcement in finding members of the Texas House of Representatives who fled the state in an effort to disrupt the legislative process.
“I am pleased to announce that Director Kash Patel has approved my request for the FBI to aid state and local law enforcement in locating the runaway Texas House Democrats,” Cornyn said in a statement. “I thank President Trump and Director Patel for their support and swift action in responding to my call for the federal government to hold these lawmakers accountable for fleeing Texas. We cannot allow these legislators to shirk their constitutional responsibilities.”
The FBI declined to provide a comment when contacted by Fox News Digital.
Over 50 Democratic lawmakers from Texas fled the state earlier this month to prevent a quorum in the Texas House, which requires at least 100 members to be present out of the 150-member body.
Democratic Governors from Illinois, California, and New York have offered refuge to the Texas Democrats, praising the gridlock they caused as a defense of democracy.
Cornyn wrote a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel on Tuesday requesting assistance in locating or arresting “potential lawbreakers” who fled to avoid their legislative duties.
“Out-of-state individuals have publicly stated their intent to protect the Texas legislators who are currently evading accountability for their actions,” Cornyn wrote. “I am asking for the FBI’s help because federal resources are necessary to locate the out-of-state Texas legislators who may be acting in violation of the law.”
The letter expressed concerns that legislators who received funds to avoid their legislative duties may be guilty of bribery or public corruption offenses.
“Governor Abbott and Texas state law enforcement officers are doing their best within the bounds of the law, but federal assistance may be needed,” Cornyn wrote. “These legislators have potentially committed criminal acts by evading their constitutional responsibilities and must be thoroughly investigated and held accountable. I urge you to collaborate with Texas officials to provide the necessary support.”
Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas called for a special session to advance a congressional redistricting plan that could add five new Republican-leaning House seats before the midterm elections next year.
Abbott also filed an emergency petition with the state Supreme Court to remove State Rep. Gene Wu from office, labeling him as the “ringleader” of the Democrats who fled the state.
Former President Donald Trump is encouraging Republican-led states to open up the redistricting process mid-cycle to maintain control of the House.
On the other hand, Texas state Republicans voted to issue civil arrest warrants and impose daily fines of $500 on Democratic colleagues who abandoned their duties.
