Everything’s bigger in Texas — including showdowns in the state legislature, apparently. Tennessee fired its top immunization official, and now she’s sounding the alarm on the state’s politicization of the vaccine. Plus, a vandalized mural in England reveals the worst (and best) of British sports culture.
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Texas Voting Rights Battle Goes National
Everything’s bigger in Texas — including showdowns in the state legislature, apparently. Here’s the latest in the Democrats’ 24-hour Hail Mary to protect voting rights in the Lone Star State.
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The Overview
In an effort to block GOP-led bills that would restrict voting, Democrats fled to Washington, D.C. — and they don’t plan to return until the Lone Star State’s special session ends in August.
TX Dems Arrive in D.C.
After flying to the nation's capital, Texas Democrats held a series of press conferences — the first step in their fight to protect Texans' voting rights.
And Break Out Into Song
Powerful moment: Democrats sing "We Shall Overcome" during a press conference on Capitol Hill.
Texas State Democrats sing ‘We Shall Overcome’ in a press conference urging Congress to pass voting rights legislation.
TX Governor Threatens Arrest
Gov. Greg Abbott responds to TX Dems fleeing: "As soon as they come back in the state of Texas, they will be arrested, they will be cabined inside the Texas Capitol until they get their job done." He also says he will "call special session after special session" until GOP voting rights bills are passed.
Gov. Greg Abbott responds to TX Dems fleeing state to prevent voting restrictions from passing: “They will be arrested."
TX Legislature Votes to Bring Dems Back
Texas legislature passes a motion 76-4 to bring back Democrats who fled to D.C. "under warrant of arrest if necessary." However, the impact of the move is unclear since Texas state troopers lack jurisdiction in the nation’s capital.
Texas legislature passes a motion 76-4 to bring back Dems who fled to D.C. “under warrant of arrest if necessary.”
Ted Cruz Weighs In ... Of Course
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) on Texas Democrats in D.C.: “This is, at the end of the day, politics, and they need to get back to doing their jobs.” Booked any flights lately, Mr. Senator?
Sen Cruz (R-TX) says Texas Dems pulled a “political stunt” and equates Voter ID laws to showing ID to board an airplane.
Chuck Schumer Meets With TX Dems
“The governor and the Republican legislators will be remembered on the dark and wrong side of history.” — Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) condemns Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) and state Republicans during a meeting with Texas Democrats.
Sen. Maj. Leader Schumer condemns Gov. Abbott (R-TX) and Republican legislators in meeting with Texas State Democrats.
President Biden Has the Final Word
And he doesn't mince words: Democrats — and their fight to protect voting rights — has the president's firm support.
