Texas Democrats are under growing pressure to return to the state Capitol as Republicans push to resume legislative work. Dozens of Democratic lawmakers fled Texas earlier in the week to prevent a quorum and block a special session that includes redrawing voting maps, potentially giving Republicans five more seats in the U.S. House. The session also includes discussions on disaster relief and other key issues.

In response, Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows suspended direct deposit paychecks for absent lawmakers, requiring them to collect their pay in person. This is one of several tactics being used to compel their return and restore quorum. On Monday, Burrows also signed civil arrest warrants for the missing members, escalating efforts to bring them back.

The standoff intensified when U.S. Senator John Cornyn announced that the FBI would assist in locating and detaining the Democrats who left. Cornyn claimed to have secured FBI Director Kash Patel’s approval, thanking President Trump for supporting federal involvement. He accused the Democrats of abandoning their constitutional duties.

President Trump commented that lawmakers must return and “fight it out,” signaling support for measures compelling their return. However, this federal involvement raised legal concerns, with political analysts warning of a potential constitutional crisis if federal agents attempt to detain state lawmakers for civil violations.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is challenging Cornyn in a GOP primary, dismissed the FBI’s role, calling it a state matter. Still, he gave Democrats until Friday to return or face legal action. He also filed a petition to remove Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu and directed the Texas Rangers to investigate possible bribery.

Despite these threats, only eight Democrats had returned to Austin by Tuesday. Governor Abbott continues to demand their return, ordering law enforcement to arrest absent members upon reentry to Texas, as the legislative impasse drags on.