TEXAS — A GOP-led panel decided Friday to fine each Democratic state representative $8,000 for walking out of the state Capitol in August to protest a new congressional map.
House rules allow lawmakers to be fined $500 for each day missed if the absence was “for the purpose of impeding the action of the House.” Once the Democrats returned, the Legislature approved the map.
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Rep. Christian Manuel, one of the Democrats involved in the walkout, sent a response saying, “I exercised my constitutional right to break quorum during the redistricting process. I respect the house and its rules, and I believe in transparency and accountability. I never stopped working for my constituents. This was a serious decision, made with a clear responsibility to represent my community and do what I believe is right. Sometimes, it takes action to be heard. that action brought national attention.”