Texas lawmaker asks FBI to help arrest fleeing Democrats
Why it matters: The request escalates the standoff as Texas Republicans try to compel Democrats back to the Capitol to advance a plan to draw an election map more favorable to the GOP.
"This is a time-sensitive matter," Cornyn wrote in a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel.
The FBI declined to comment.
State of play: Also on Tuesday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) said he would pursue a court ruling to declare the Democrats' seats vacant starting on Friday.
"The people of Texas elected lawmakers, not jet-setting runaways looking for headlines. If you don't show up to work, you get fired," Paxton said in a statement.
Catch up quick: Several Texas Democrats fled the state to delay votes on a redistricting map that will give Republicans five more congressional seats, something President Trump has demanded.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday ordered state police to find and arrest Democratic lawmakers after the state House issued civil arrest warrants.
The Democrats are in Illinois, Massachusetts and New York.
Zoom in: "These legislators have committed potential criminal acts in their rush to avoid their constitutional responsibilities and must be fully investigated and held accountable," Cornyn wrote in his letter.
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