Greg Abbott threatened to cut off funding for the Legislature after Democrats vowed to continue to fight a Texas voting bill.
“I will veto Article 10 of the budget passed by the legislature. Article 10 funds the legislative branch,” Abbott tweeted Monday. “No pay for those who abandon their responsibilities. Stay tuned.” Texas Democrats used every parliamentary tool at their disposal Sunday night to stop the bill, ultimately walking out to prevent a vote before the midnight deadline. Abbott said the bill would be added to a special session agenda to pass it. He did not announce a date for the special session.
The Texas bill, known as Senate Bill 7, passed the Senate along party lines early Sunday after an all-night debate. The bill came up in the House for final approval Sunday evening. But after hours of debate and delaying tactics, the chamber adjourned after Democratic lawmakers left in protest, breaking a quorum and ending debate. At least 100 legislators must be present to conduct business.