Democrats Walk Out, Stop Texas Republicans' Sweeping Voting Bill

CBS Dallas/Fort Worth

May 31, 2021

A sweeping voting bill in Texas that was on the verge of Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk failed to pass Sunday night after Democrats walked out of the House chamber before a midnight deadline.

In a statement late Sunday, Abbott swiftly said he would call a special session to try passing a voting bill again but did not say when. “I declared Election Integrity and Bail Reform to be must-pass emergency items for this legislative session. It is deeply disappointing and concerning for Texans that neither will reach my desk. Ensuring the integrity of our elections and reforming a broken bail system remain emergencies in Texas. They will be added to the special session agenda. Legislators will be expected to have worked out the details when they arrive at the Capitol for the special session,” he said.

The sweeping measure, known as Senate Bill 7, was passed by the Texas Senate around 6 a.m. Sunday after eight hours of questioning by Democrats. However, the bill needed to clear a final vote in the Texas House later Sunday in order to reach Abbott, who was expected to sign it.

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