Rep. Philip Cortez becomes second Texas Democrat to return to Austin, surprising colleagues
WASHINGTON — A member of the Texas Democratic delegation has returned to Austin from Washington, D.C., to negotiate with Republicans over their voting legislation.
Rep. Philip Cortez, D-San Antonio, made the announcement Wednesday on Twitter, saying that he intended to "engage in good-faith dialogue about the aspects of the bill that I, and others, think are harmful."
Cortez is the second Democrat to return to Austin from the nation's capital, where nearly 60 other Democratic House members have been staying since July 12 to break quorum during the ongoing special legislative session. The Democrats strongly oppose the GOP effort to rewrite voting laws in ways Democrats say would make it harder for people of color to vote, and Republicans say would restore election integrity.
Gov. Greg Abbott has vowed to arrest absent members upon their return to the state, both members have returned voluntarily without incident.
https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2021/07/21/texas-democrats-one-quorum-breaking-house-member-leaves-washington-dc-returns-austin/8049210002/