Texas Democrats on Wednesday announced their intentions to block through a filibuster the state’s GOP-backed election bill, the same one Texas House Democrats previously fought by leaving the state and traveling to Washington, D.C.
Texas state Sen. Carol Alvarado (D) announced on Twitter that she had submitted her intention to filibuster the state’s election bill that critics have argued will drastically limit voter access.
Prominent Texas Democrat and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke praised Alvarado’s decision on Twitter, noting the differences between a filibuster in the state house and the U.S. Congress.
“Unlike the filibuster in the US Senate, the filibuster rules in the Texas Senate will require Senator Alvarado to hold the floor—standing and speaking constantly—without being allowed to eat, drink, or use the restroom,” O’ROurke wrote. “We’re with you, Carol!”
The Texas Tribune noted that Alvarado’s filibuster will likely be more of a symbolic gesture than a true effort to stall the bill, as the legislature is on its fifth day of a 30-day special session called by Gov. Greg Abbott (R). Speaking to the Tribune, Alvarado acknowledged that the bill will more than likely pass in the state Senate.
“I’m using what I have at my disposal in the Senate,” Alvarado said. “The filibuster isn’t going to stop it, but a filibuster is also used to put the brakes on an issue — to call attention to what is at stake — and that is what I am doing.”
Since Texas House Democrats left the state and prevented a quorum, Texas Republicans have moved to change the state’s constitution in order to allow the legislature to operate without two-thirds of the body being present. The state House has also issued arrest warrants for the 52 House members to be brought to the Capitol in order to establish a quorum.