Texas Democrats end walkout as GOP-controlled legislature prepares to vote on redistricting maps that could flip five congressional seats to Republicans

AUSTIN, Texas - Four protesters were arrested after refusing to leave the Texas Capitol grounds Monday night. According to Texas DPS, on August 18, the Texas State Senate adjourned at 10 p.m. and all visitors were told the Texas Capitol building would be closing at 10:30 p.m.

The Texas State Capitol was cleared of visitors Tuesday evening and closed to the public after a social media threat, the Texas Department of Public Safety said.

Emmanuel Macron Reacts To Trump's Hot Mic Comment On Vladimir Putin New documents reveal professor raised red flags about Bryan Kohberger before Idaho murders Former Browns QB Baker Mayfield offers advice for Shedeur Sanders as he begins NFL journey Lawrence: President Zelenskyy had a successful day in the Trump White House

Upon returning after a 15-day walkout, Texas House Democrats were asked for consent to be escorted off the floor by DPS officers. Nicole Collier refused and was locked in the chamber Monday night.

Now that the Texas House has a quorum following Democrats’ two-week absence, lawmakers are back to debate a wide range of issues, including redrawing congressional maps to benefit Republicans.

A walkout by Democratic legislators in Texas has ended, and Republicans are arranging to push a plan for redrawing the state’s congressional districts through the GOP-controlled Legislature.

After two weeks fleeing the state, many Texas House Democrats returned, and a quorum was reached on Monday. More than two dozen Democrats still didn’t show up and civil arrest warrants remain in effect.

The situation is an opportunity for the speaker to bolster his credibility with the right, but he has limited tools to combat a prolonged Democratic absence.