The Texas governor says he’ll reject funding following the staged walk-out this week
The Republican Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, says he will reject funding for the state law-making body following a staged walkout by Democrats.
The walk-out came as Texas Republican lawmakers attempted to pass a sweeping set of new laws to tighten voting regulations. However, Democratic delegates blocked the motion.
Democrats say the proposed bill legislation would’ve added new obstacles for voting in future elections.
The governors also raised concerns the bill would’ve limited the availability of certain forms of voting. The methods in question are largely used by low income and handicapped people.
Republican Governors in Texas left unable to vote
The walk-out in Texas left the House without enough numbers to meet a quorum. This meant Republicans were unable to cast their vote.
Governor Abbot says he “will veto Article 10 of the budget passed.” He further added that Texas will “not pay for those who abandon their responsibilities”. Article 10 funds the state legislative branch.
In a statement published the same day, Abbott also said it was “deeply disappointing and concerning” that the election bill did not reach his desk.
However, Texas State Democrat Jessica Gonzalez argues her fellow representatives “have done their part” for democracy.
I will veto Article 10 of the budget passed by the legislature.
Article 10 funds the legislative branch.
No pay for those who abandon their responsibilities.
If passed, the bill would ban drive-thru voting in Texas and prohibit 24-hour voting. It would’ve also banned public officials from offering mail-in voting applications to voters who do not request them.
24-hour voting was used by more than 100,000 voters in the 2020 election in Harris County, where President Biden won with about 56 percent of the vote.
Concerning, the bill would’ve also meant senators would not have to confirm evidence of election fraud.
The proposed legislation would allow courts to overturn elections if “the number of votes illegally cast in the election is equal to or greater than the number of votes necessary to change the outcome of an election.”
Texas Senator Cruz comes under fire for abandoning his state
Critics have blasted Senator Cruz for ‘opportunism’ following the trip. This own state is currently being ravaged by storms.
In a tweet, Cruz says “radical Democrats are wrong. Israel has the undeniable right to defend itself”.
Democrats block bill to arm Israel
Texas Senator Cruz recently introduced a bill that will allow arms sales to Israel. However, the bill was also blocked by the Democrats.
In a statement, Cruz says: “sadly, Democrats in both the House and the Senate are choosing to pacify their anti-Israel base by opposing this critical support.”
“I call on my Democrat colleagues to choose a side and support this common-sense resolution”.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Conservatives have suffered defeat in two parliamentary by-elections
UK Conservatives have lost two crucial seats in England, which could spark concerns about Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s future.
The centrist Liberal Democrat party won the seats of Tiverton and Honiton.
The seats are in a Conservative part of south-west England, where a majority of 24,000 has been overturned.
The Liberal Democrats say it is their biggest ever majority turn around at a parliamentary by election.
“Tonight, the people of Tiverton and Honiton have spoken for Britain. They’ve sent a loud and clear message: It’s time for Boris Johnson to go, and go now.”
winning candidate Richard Foord
The losses have renewed calls for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to resign after a police investigation into gatherings at his Downing Street offices.
Johnson recently survived a vote of no-confidence, which secured his term as Prime Minister for another 12 months.
It also follows the Conservatives winning a landslide majority in three decades during the last national election.
Protesters are causing disruptions during an address by China’s Ambassador to Australia
Xiao Qian is in Sydney, where is he speaking about how to improve ties between the two countries.
One protester described Mr Xiao as a “representative of a dictatorship” and accused the Chinese Government of committing genocide against Uyghur Muslims.
Others were heard shouting “Free Tibet”, and another was asked to leave the venue prior to the event because he was dressed in a military costume.
The speech was widely seen as an attempt to ease relations between the two countries.
China has put trade sanctions on Australia, while a recent encounter took place between a Chinese fighter jet and an Australian maritime aircraft over the South China Sea.
Security guards reportedly ushered the protesters.