The Speaker of Texas House Removes his Democrat counterpart from leadership after he and other Democrats fled the state to prevent a vote that they didn’t want to have.
“Pursuant to my authority under House Rule 1, Section 10, I have relieved Representative Joe Moody from his position as Speaker Pro Tempore for the 87th Legislature, effective immediately,” read a statement from Phelan’s office.
Democrats are doing great harm to the citizens of Texas for a fundraising political stunt, paid for with your tax dollars. As a result, Speaker Dade Phelan has removed Joe Moody as Speaker Pro Tempore of the Texas House of Representatives. #txlege pic.twitter.com/J6Vef9MgKi
— Matt Shaheen (@MattShaheen) July 15, 2021
Local Texas news reported the news:
“El Paso Democrat Joe Moody stripped of leadership position in Texas House after leaving the state with Democrats.
Moody, one of House Speaker Dade Phelan’s closest Democratic allies, is the first Democrat to suffer political backlash after the quorum break.”
El Paso Democrat Joe Moody was stripped of his position as speaker pro tem of the Texas House on Thursday in the first major backlash for a Democrat who left the chamber to prevent a vote on a GOP priority elections bill.
House Speaker Dade Phelan, a Beaumont Republican, announced the removal of Moody as speaker pro tem in a memo Thursday morning before the House was set to return Thursday. He gave no statement but said the removal was effective immediately.
“The most important titles in my life will never change: Dad, Husband, El Pasoan,” Moody said in a statement. “Nothing political has ever even cracked the top three, so nothing has changed about who I am or what my values are.”
https://twitter.com/ChrisGTurner/status/1415728939234959363?s=20
At least 51 House Democrats left the state Monday to break quorum and bring to halt deliberation on an elections bill they say would restrict voting rights. House Republicans have railed against Democrats, accusing them of walking out on their responsibilities to push their political agenda.
Democrat fled to Washington DC claiming they are victims of Republicans and therefore couldn’t do their jobs.
Phelan released two statements on Thursday:
A plane will be waiting Saturday in Washington for my colleagues ready to get to work. The State of Texas is waiting. #txlege Here’s my statement about those who are stalling the 13th check for retired teachers by breaking quorum and a list of those who have not taken steps to return their legislative per diem while they are in Washington. #txlege
Here’s my statement about those who are stalling a 13th check for retired teachers by breaking quorum and a list of those who have not taken steps to return their legislative per diem while they are in Washington. #txlege pic.twitter.com/adCCp99fwR
— Dade Phelan (@DadePhelan) July 15, 2021
And arranged a plane to bring them home so they could get work done.
A plane will be waiting Saturday in Washington for my colleagues ready to get to work. The State of Texas is waiting. #txlege pic.twitter.com/rnTaQPbpCd
— Dade Phelan (@DadePhelan) July 15, 2021
Governor Greg Abbot suggested on Tuesday that Democrats could be arrested upon their return to Texas.
One particular Democrat had a wonderful time taunting concerned people about his fleeing to DC, over honor his obligation as a representative, posted a response, telling him to keep his money, that they would be staying in Texas.
Texas Democrats in DC tell Speaker @DadePhelan he should save his money, they won't be coming back on the plane he's sending #txlege pic.twitter.com/YDQ9nGMuIb
— Scott Braddock (@scottbraddock) July 15, 2021
Abbott released a video tapped statement on Thursday:
A much-needed cost of living increase for retired teachers.
Funding for foster children.
Property tax relief.
All stalled in the #txlege because the Dems abandoned their responsibilities & constituents. #getbacktowork pic.twitter.com/evkN04SJWT
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 15, 2021
Local news reported:
On Day 3 of Texas Democrats hunkering down in Washington to block tighter voting laws, Republicans back home settled into a new routine that boils down to turning the Democrats’ gambit into yet another advantage for the GOP in 2022.
With time and a commanding majority on their side, Texas Republicans who began the summer with a long to-do list aimed at pushing the state farther to the right were filling their sudden free time Wednesday, hammering Democrats as obstructionists.
Despite being unable to pass any bills, GOP lawmakers promised to keep coming to work at the Texas Capitol. They say Democrats are blocking widely popular measures to lower property taxes and give teachers more money. And they are showing their resolve to eventually pass a new voting bill that includes a raft of changes that, on the whole, would make it harder to cast an illegal ballot in Texas.
“While these Texas Democrats collect taxpayer money as they ride on private jets to meet with the Washington elite, those who remain in the chamber await their return to begin work on providing our retired teachers a 13th check, protecting our foster kids, and providing taxpayer relief,” Republican House Speaker Dade Phelan said.
The Republican criticism hinted at how the party is hoping to turn the screws on Democrats for the weeks to come. Both parties are mindful that the voting debate and the Democratic walkout are likely to resonate into next year when the parties are battling over the governor’s office, as well as dozens of newly drawn statehouse districts.
Kari is an ex-Community Organizer who writes about Cultural Marxism, grassroots activism, music, IndyCar racing and political campaigns. @Saorsa1776
