Texas Judge: House Democrats Can't Be Arrested For Breaking Quorum

A Texas judge is giving House Democrats a short reprieve from arrest for breaking quorum. State District Judge Brad Urrutia issued a 14-day temporary restraining order last night saying Democrats shouldn't be taken into custody and returned to the Texas Capitol. Over 50 House Democrats went to Washington, DC last month to prevent the Legislature from voting on an elections security bill they believe is voter suppression. House Republicans later voted in favor of a “call of the House” meaning members can't leave the capitol without permission of the speaker. House Speaker Dade Phelan issued an arrest warrant for San Antonio Democrat Philip Cortez who briefly returned to Texas from DC, only to leave again. The warrant has no power in DC due to a lack of jurisdiction for Texas law enforcement.