Texas House speaker issues arrest warrants for AWOL Democrats after state Supreme Court overrules local judge



Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan (R) signed arrested warrants for state House Democrats who fled the Lone Star State last month to subvert the legislative process.

The warrants were codified after the Texas Supreme Court intervened and overturned a lower court ruling that blocked the arrest and forced return of the lawmakers to the Texas Legislature.

What did the Texas Supreme Court rule?

The Texas Supreme Court overturned on Tuesday a ruling by Travis County State District Judge Brad Urrutia (D) that blocked the Texas Legislature from "detaining, confining or otherwise restricting" the House Democrats who fled to Washington, D.C., last month.

Urrutia claimed that Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and Phelan wrongly interpreted laws they claimed permitted the arrest and forced return of the absent lawmakers.

However, the Texas Supreme Court disagreed and voided Urrutia's temporary restraining order that blocked the arrests of state House Democrats.

What did Phelan do?

After the high court's ruling, the Texas House overwhelmingly approved — by a vote of 80-12 — to authorize the Texas House sergeant-at-arms to track down the missing Democratic members, arrest them, and force their return in order to regain a quorum.

Following the vote, Phelan signed 52 civil arrest warrants for the Democratic lawmakers who remain at-large, the Texas Tribune reported. The speaker's spokesman said the warrants would be delivered to the sergeant-at-arms Wednesday morning "for service."

The 52 warrants represent the majority of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, which currently stands at 67 members.

As TheBlaze reported, at least four House Democrats returned from Washington on Monday, a decision that incited outrage from their colleagues who remain in the nation's capital. The returning members were mocked, ostracized, and accused of undermining those who refuse to return.

With the return of the four members, the Texas House is now within five members of regaining the quorum required to conduct business. Because the chamber has lacked the two-thirds lawmakers present quorum requirement, the Texas House has been unable to conduct business during the new special legislative session that began on Saturday.

How did Democrats respond?

Chris Turner, chairman of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, responded to news of the arrest warrants by claiming absent lawmakers are "fully within our rights as legislators to break quorum to protect our constituents," the Tribune reported.

Despite failing to fulfill the legislative duties they promised to voters, some members of the Democratic caucus have attempted to paint themselves as victims.

In fact, nearly two dozen Texas House Democrats filed a lawsuit against Abbott, Phelan, and a third Texas Republican last Friday. The lawsuit claims the Republicans have infringed upon their constitutional rights, and alleges they have been "deprived of liberty."

AWOL Texas Democrats divided after four members return home, infuriating the rest



The Texas Democrats who fled to Washington, D.C., are showing signs of division as some of their number returned to Austin, infuriating their colleagues.

At least four Democrats who returned to the statehouse on Monday were accused of undermining the rest of the conference by nearly granting the Republican majority a quorum to conduct business. If just five more lawmakers were present at the statehouse, Republicans would have been able to advance a controversial election security bill that Democrats sought to block by leaving the state.

"You all threw us under the bus today!" Rep. Ana-Maria Ramos (D) declared on social media. "Why?"

⁦@jamestalarico⁩ ⁦@RepMaryGonzalez⁩ ⁦@moodyforelpaso⁩ you all threw us under the bus today! Why? https://t.co/yD6ODZKFcP

— Representative Ana-Maria Ramos (@Ramos4Texas) 1628546901.0

The four Democrats who returned to Texas are Reps. Joe Moody, James Talarico, Mary González, and Art Fierro. Moody is one of the Democratic leaders and the former speaker pro tem, a title that House Speaker Dade Phelan (R) had stripped from him last month as a disciplinary measure for breaking quorum.

In a follow-up tweet, Ramos called out three of those Democrats, accusing them of selling out the rest of the conference.

"Today @jamestalarico was one of those Texas Dems who showed up at the Capitol to help Republicans pass anti-voter bills," Ramos said. "@jamestalarico was in DC 2 days ago with Dems and showed up in Austin with Republicans & @moodyforelpaso @RepMaryGonzalez to sell us out."

@briantylercohen Today @jamestalarico was one of those Texas Dems who showed up at the Capitol to help Republicans… https://t.co/iQXxTuQkys

— Representative Ana-Maria Ramos (@Ramos4Texas) 1628547533.0

On Monday, Talarico announced he had returned to Texas to "clean up [Gov.] Greg Abbott's latest messes" and said he was confident the Democrats' decision to go AWOL "shined a national spotlight on the TX voter suppression bill and pushed Congress closer to passing a federal voting rights act to override it."

I’m home!Our quorum break shined a national spotlight on the TX voter suppression bill and pushed Congress closer… https://t.co/gfGVyn7gEW

— James Talarico (@jamestalarico) 1628542787.0

Hours before lawmakers met at the statehouse, a district judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking Republican Gov. Greg Abbott's administration from following through on a promise to arrest any Democrats who returned to the state and drag them to the Capitol to make quorum so the legislature could open for business.

Some of the irate Democrats remaining in Washington, D.C., made note of this, criticizing the members of their "team" who went to the statehouse voluntarily even after a judge said they couldn't be forced to show up for work and make quorum.

"I've said this before… it's a Team Sport… now we see who plays what positions on the Team… The fact that some of us secured a Temporary Restraining Order to protect ALL of us, yet some are trying to please the Governor and His OPPRESSIVE Agenda?! JUST WOW! #txlege," Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Dallas) tweeted.

I’ve said this before… it’s a Team Sport… now we see who plays what positions on the Team… The fact that some of us… https://t.co/8BMUZY5Fe6

— Rep. Jasmine Crockett (@jasminefor100) 1628545785.0

"We have a vote this week in the US Senate on voting rights. They could at least wait until the vote. There's nothing so pressing ar [sic] this moment to show up. Not to mention the restraining order allows you to be working in your district instead of on the floor against your district," Crockett said.

@AHomayouniVA We have a vote this week in the US Senate on voting rights. They could at least wait until the vote.… https://t.co/Ptom0f2mIA

— Rep. Jasmine Crockett (@jasminefor100) 1628548332.0

Texas judge blocks arrest order for AWOL House Democrats



A state district judge in Texas issued a temporary restraining order Sunday that blocks law enforcement from arresting the House Democrats who fled the state to block a GOP-supported election security bill.

Travis County State District Judge Brad Urrutia's order will prevent Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and House Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) from "detaining, confining or otherwise restricting" the Democrats, who had abandoned the state for Washington, D.C., in July to deny a special session of the legislature a quorum and prevent Republicans from passing a bill that would strengthen voter ID requirements and ban sending unsolicited mail ballot applications to voters.

After the Democrats fled, Abbott had called for state law enforcement agencies to arrest the Democrats the moment they returned to Texas and transport them to the Capitol, where they would be forced to open the legislature for business.

On Friday, 19 House Democrats filed a lawsuit to block their arrest or detention, arguing Republicans did not have the power to "arrest their political opponents," as one of the attorneys for the Democrats put it.

According to the Texas Tribune, Urrutia, a Democrat, said that Abbott and Phelan wrongly interpreted Texas law and the rules of the state House to allow the arrest of lawmakers in response to a call for quorum. He prohibited the Republicans from detaining or restraining the Democrats in any way and also from ordering law enforcement to arrest them.

Urrutia's order will permit the Democrats to return to Texas without fear of being detained. The order will last for 14 days unless it is extended.

"Angry Republican threats to dispatch troopers to arrest, cuff, shackle, drag in, and cabin duly-elected lawmakers isn't just meant to chill our speech and impair our ability to represent our districts; it has left our families, friends, and neighbors anxious for our well-being and safety," said state Rep. Gina Hinojosa (D-Austin) said in a statement Monday.

"The men and women of the Texas House, many of whom are Black and Brown Democrats, are not animals or property to be corralled by law enforcement and cabined against our will. It is morally wrong to believe otherwise," Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer (D-San Antonio) said.

The court will hear arguments on the arrest order on Aug. 20.

Last week, Abbott called for a second special session of the legislature to convene and pass the election security bill and other pieces of legislation. At least 26 of the more than 50 House Democrats who fled to Washington, D.C., have said they will remain there.

The state House was unable to reach a quorum on Saturday at the start of the special session and will try again Monday.

Texas House Democrats claim they've been 'deprived of liberty' in lawsuit against Gov. Greg Abbott



Texas House Democrats who fled the state last month to block legislation from becoming law filed a lawsuit against top Texas Republicans late Friday, arguing they have been, among other things, "deprived of liberty."

The news comes after two Texas House Democrats who fled to Washington, D.C., were caught vacationing in Portugal.

What are the details?

Nearly two dozen Texas House Democrats, 22 in all, filed a lawsuit in federal court against Gov. Greg Abbott, House Speaker Dade Phelan (R), and State Rep. James White (R).

The lawsuit argues that Abbott, Phelan, and White are collectively depriving Texas House Democrats of their First Amendments rights to free speech and to petition the government for redress of grievances. The Democrats claim they have been "deprived of liberty for substantial periods of time, suffered much anxiety and distress over separation from their families, and much discomfort and embarrassment," the Texas Tribune reported.

The Democrats even claim they are being targeted because of their skin color, claim they are being harmed, and claim they have been the victims of "retaliatory attacks, threats and attempts at coercion relating to the exercise of their First Amendment rights."

However, as the Texas Tribune noted, the lawsuit provides no evidence of the lawmakers being targeted because of their race, provides no evidence of the alleged harm against them save for "public statements," and fails to provide evidence to corroborate the alleged "retaliatory attacks."

Abbott and Phelan have been urging the lawmakers to return to Texas and fulfill their oaths of office by participating in the legislative process they subverted. Abbott has said the lawmakers will be arrested once they return to Texas.

"Once they step back into the state of Texas, they will be arrested and brought to the Texas Capitol, and we will be conducting business," Abbott told Fox News last month.

According to Texas Tribune, White was not sure why the Democratic lawmakers included him in their lawsuit.

The lawsuit claims only $5 worth of actual damages and $10 of punitive damanges.

Anything else?

The lawsuit was filed one day after Abbott announced that another special legislative session would begin on Aug. 7.

"I will continue to call special session after special session to reform our broken bail system, uphold election integrity, and pass other important items that Texans demand and deserve. Passing these Special Session agenda items will chart a course towards a stronger and brighter future for the Lone Star State," Abbott said in a statement.

The Texas House Democrats have not yet returned from Washington, D.C., and it's not clear when they will return. But what is clear is that Abbott has promised to continually call special legislative sessions until the legislative items that Democrats blocked are passed.

In a statement, Texas House Democrats noted the new special legislative session does not have a quorum in the Texas House because the House Democrats remain in Washington, and suggested the lawmakers will remain in the nation's capital.

"Texas House Democrats continue in our fight to stop Texas Republicans' efforts to undermine our democracy by passing their anti-voter legislation," the statement said. "Day by day, we will keep fighting with everything we have to protect Texans' freedom to vote."

Texas Gov. Abbott calls for another special session of legislature, pressuring AWOL Democrats



Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced Thursday that he will convene a second special session of the state legislature on Saturday, following through on a threat to continuously call the legislature into session until the rogue Democratic lawmakers who fled the state return home and get to work.

"The Texas Legislature achieved a great deal during the 87th Legislative Session, and they have a responsibility to finish the work that was started," Abbott said in a statement. "I will continue to call special session after special session to reform our broken bail system, uphold election integrity, and pass other important items that Texans demand and deserve. Passing these Special Session agenda items will chart a course towards a stronger and brighter future for the Lone Star State."

Last month, after Abbott called for a special session to pass a Republican-supported election security bill, more than 50 state House Democrats fled to Washington, D.C., to block the bill by denying the House a quorum. They have mostly remained in the nation's capital, lobbying for a federal voting bill that would prevent the GOP-supported reforms, though two Democrats have reportedly gone on vacation to Portugal while the rest of the conference remains in D.C.

The current special session is scheduled to end Friday. According to the Houston Chronicle, some of the Texas Democrats had planned on returning home once the special session ended, but by calling for another special session, Abbott has put pressure on these Democrats. If they return while the legislature is in session, they will be unable to stop the Republican majority from passing their election security bill, as well as 16 other priorities Abbott outlined in his announcement.

Republican lawmakers are calling on their Democratic colleagues to come home.

"We call on the Texas Democrats to put an end to their domestic and global jet-setting, return to Texas and do the job they were elected to do," state House Republican Caucus Chairman Rep. Jim Murphy said.

The Democrats have so far shown no signs that they will return. State Rep. Gina Hinojosa (D) told the Chronicle that "the determination to fight is there," but would not say what the Democrats plan on doing next.

In addition to the election security bill, Abbott wants the legislature to take up a ban on K-12 school mask and vaccine mandates, additional funding for border security efforts, a bill prohibiting men from competing on women's sports teams, restrictions on abortion-inducing drugs, and a bill banning critical race theory from being taught in schools.

Texas House Democrat calls for 'federal intervention' as political stunt begins to collapse



Texas House Democrats, who fled the Lone Star State this month to block Republican-backed legislation from becoming law, are slowly realizing their political stunt will not produce the results they had hoped.

What is the background?

Texas House Democrats fled to Washington, D.C., nearly three weeks ago to deny the Texas House the quorum required to conduct business.

The Democratic lawmakers, who are the minority party in the Texas Legislature, sought to block a host of bills, including one that Republicans say will bolster the integrity of Texas elections, but Democrats claim will restrict voting rights.

The lawmakers planned to stay in the nation's capital through the special legislative session they've blocked. While in D.C., the lawmakers have met with Vice President Kamala Harris and have been meeting with congressional Democrats to lobby Congress to pass the "For The People Act," a sweeping election reform bill being pushed by Democrats.

What is happening now?

Texas state Rep. Ron Reynolds (D) is now calling for "federal intervention" with the realization the political stunt will not ultimately work.

In fact, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has promised to keeping calling special sessions — which is his right as governor — until the Texas Legislature can finally pass the bills that Texas House Democrats have thus far blocked.

"For us it's do or die, because Gov. Abbott is going to call another special session as early as Aug. 9," Reynolds told HuffPost. "We hope the Senate realizes that we're on borrowed time, so we really need federal intervention."

The "For The People Act" is doomed to fail if brought to a vote in the Senate because Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) has said he will not support the bill because it has zero Republican support. Plus, questions of constitutionality surround the bill, considering the Constitution stipulates that state legislatures are responsible for aspects of elections the "For The People Act" hopes to regulate.

What happens when the special session ends?

The current legislative session ends after the first week of August. Whether Texas House Democrats will return to the Lone Star State if Abbott immediately declares another special session has not yet been determined. But whenever they do, they may be immediately brought back to the Texas House chamber by law enforcement.

Speaking with Fox News after Texas House Democrats left for Washington on private planes, Abbott said, "Once they step back into the state of Texas, they will be arrested and brought to the Texas Capitol, and we will be conducting business."

Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan (R), in fact, signed the first "civil warrant" this week for the arrest of state Rep. Philip Cortez (D), who went back to Washington after briefly returning to Texas to dialogue with Texas Republicans.

However, according to the Texas Tribune, "the warrant is not likely to have impact since Texas law enforcement lacks jurisdiction outside the state."

Dallas Democrats mercilessly mocked after soliciting donations for 'care packages' to fugitive Texas Dems



Dallas Democrats were blasted over the weekend after the group advertised a donation drive soliciting supplies for Texas House Democrats who fled the Lone Star State two weeks ago to block certain legislation from becoming law.

More than 60 Texas Democratic lawmakers — 56 state representatives and nine state senators, according to the Texas Tribune — fled to Washington, D.C., to deny the Texas House the quorum required to conduct business. By fleeing the state, they effectively blocked Republican-backed legislation from certain passage.

The lawmakers plan to be in Washington through the Texas legislative special session, which is set to expire after the first week of August.

What did Dallas Democrats say?

On Saturday, the group tweeted they will be conducting a donation drive on Tuesday to collect supplies — not for the needy in their community — but for Texas House Democrats who willingly left Texas.

"Our Dems in DC said they'd appreciate care packages from home," Dallas Democrats tweeted. "Before 5pm Tues, we're collecting Dr. Pepper, salsa, hard candy, hairspray, travel toiletries, hand sanitizers, sewing kits, first aid, and/ or $ to pay shipping. TY!"

💙 Our Dems in DC said they’d appreciate care packages from home. Before 5pm Tues, we're collecting Dr. Pepper, sals… https://t.co/vBNPwQ9gys

— Dallas Democrats (@dallasdemocrats) 1627159240.0

The request comes despite the fact that Beto O'Rourke, the former congressman and failed presidential candidate, gave the group more than $600,000 last week.

The Texas House Democrats are also entitled to a per diem of $221 for every day of the special legislative session.

What was the reaction?

The request for materials for "care packages" and money to ship them was met with swift mockery and immediate condemnation.

Many people who took issue with the request, in fact, questioned its authenticity, noting that all of the requested items can be found in any of the dozens of drug stores in Washington.

  • "No Miller Lite?" Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) mocked, a reference to the beer the Texas Democrats took with them on their private plane to Washington.
  • "Sewing kits? First aid? They're in hotels in Washington DC not the Western Front," another person mocked.
  • "Thought Robert Francis (@BetoORourke) was taking care of their needs . . . ? Not to mention the Texas tax-payers paying them $221 per diem. Absurd!" Allen West, who is running for Texas governor, reacted.
  • "The Democrats who abandoned Texas are asking for care package donations?! They are grown adults in Washington, DC refusing to do their taxpayer funded jobs. And they are surrounded by plenty of stores where they can buy whatever they want. Pathetic," commentator Clay Travis said.
  • "they could go also go purchase any of these items at a CVS conveniently located on literally any block…" another person said.
  • "These utter morons have been gone for literally only days and want a care package mailed from Texas for a photo op with stuff they could buy at a local CVS.Salsa and first aid?" lawyer Jenna Ellis said.

Still, others responded to the outrageous request by pointing people to better places to donate their money.

  • "Here's a link to @FeedingAmerica where you can support a worthwhile charity helping Americans in need instead of throwing money at these private jet flying covid infecting moronshttps://feedingamerica.org," one person said.
  • "You know who could use all of that? The DC Food bank," writer Bethany Mandel said, including a link to the DC Food Bank.
  • "They're in hotels in our nation's capital. If you're moved to help those truly in need, and want a worthy cause, consider donating to Samaritan's Purse," another person said, including a link to Samaritan's Purse.

Texas House Democrats are reportedly fuming because Biden refuses to meet with them: 'I'm just pissed off'



Texas House Democrats, who fled the Lone Star State two weeks ago to block certain legislation from becoming law, are reportedly fuming because President Joe Biden has refused to meet with them.

The Democratic lawmakers are expected to stay in Washington, D.C., through the first week of August, after which the special session currently in progress in the Texas Legislature will expire.

What are the details?

Texas House Democrats fled for Washington to urge Congress and Biden to pass the "For The People Act," a sweeping election reform bill that Republicans oppose.

But so far, Biden has refused their requests for a meeting — even through Zoom.

"He won't meet with us on Zoom like this, and I'm trying to be tactful, but I don't know how else to say it, man. I'm just pissed off at this point. He doesn't give us the respect the way you have" Texas state Rep. Richard Peña Raymond (D) told U.S. Rep Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) on Thursday, according to the Austin American-Statesman.

State Rep. Sheryl Cole (D), meanwhile, expressed entitlement to Biden's time because of media attention they have received.

"All we can do is ask and push through our other congressional members," she said. "Throughout the country, we've received so much support that it has risen to a need for presidential attention."

The Texas Democrats, however, have met with Vice President Kamala Harris, House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.), the No. 3 House Democrat, and other top Democratic Party leaders while in Washington. During their meeting with Harris, the vice president praised the Texas House Democrats for coming to Washington, which she called a "great sacrifice."

Anything else?

Former Rep. Beto O'Rourke (D-Texas), who ran a failed presidential campaign, is reportedly urging Texas House Democrats to focus their energy on presidential access.

"I feel very strongly about this. I think you need to center and focus all of your effort on the president," O'Rourke told the Texas Democrats last week, according to the American-Statesman.

In fact, O'Rourke said Biden needs to be held accountable because he is "not doing what is required," a reference to the "For The People Act," which has stalled in Congress.

O'Rourke is helping fund Texas House Democrats' political stunt. His group Powered by People sent the lawmakers $600,000 last week, according to the Texas Tribune.

Texas House Democrats' political stunt to block legislation will cost over $1M. But will taxpayers be on the hook?



The political stunt on which Texas House Democrats embarked last week will ultimately cost more than $1 million.

What is the background?

More than 50 Democrats elected to represent Texans in their state House fled the Lone Star State last Monday to deny the state House the required quorum of two-thirds of lawmakers present to conduct business.

The move blocked legislation that Democrats opposed, including one bill that Texas Republicans say was meant to bolster election security, but Democrats claimed would restrict voting rights.

Texas House Democrats fled to Washington, D.C., on private airplanes and plan to stay in the nation's capital until Aug. 7, the date when a legislative special session is meant to conclude.

What is the cost of the political stunt?

Texas state Rep. Armando Walle (D) told NBC News the trip will have cost approximately $1.5 million when all is said and done.

"Walle said the pair of private charter jets the majority of legislators took to Washington cost more than $100,000, while housing, food and other transportation costs will make up the bulk of other expenses," NBC News reported.

Those jets were reportedly financed by a wire transfer from the Texas House Democratic Caucus. Members and staffers who made the trip have been paying for many of their expenses on personal credit cards, and one member reportedly paid for the hotel rooms where the members are staying with his American Express card, according to NBC News. Other caucuses within the Texas House Democrats have also picked up some expenses.

Legislators expect to be reimbursed for their personal expenses. But who will be paying for that?

The caucus says no taxpayer dollars are being spent on the trip. Instead, the group is fundraising to cover their costs. Walle told NBC News the caucus had raised about $250,000, while members are fielding donations, too. Powered by People, a voting rights organization started by Beto O'Rourke, has also raised at least $500,000 for the trip.

What is the taxpayer cost?

While the Texas House Democratic Caucus has pledged that taxpayers will not foot the bill for their trip, the special session they abandoned can cost taxpayers over $1 million.

The session, of course, has continued in the absence of most Texas House Democrats, but the state House has been effectively blocked from conducting any business, because as long as the Democratic caucus remains in Washington, they cannot reach the required two-thirds of lawmakers present for quorum.

That means Texas House Democrats have wasted a costly legislative session.

Lindsey Graham proposes stealing play from Texas Dems over massive spending bill: 'Hell yeah I would leave'



Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.) suggested Sunday that Republicans should steal from the playbook of Texas House Democrats and flee Washington, D.C., if Democrats attempt to ram through President Joe Biden's reconciliation package without GOP support.

What is the background?

Senate Democrats unveiled a $3.5 trillion package last week that seeks to advance Biden's agenda. According to the Washington Post, the package "would expand Medicare benefits, boost federal safety net programs and combat climate change."

The massive spending bill does not, however, address infrastructure. America's roads and bridges would be dealt with in a separate, $1 trillion spending bill that has bipartisan support.

Unfortunately for America's piggy bank, Democrats see the reconciliation package as a "critical companion piece" to the infrastructure agreement, according to the Post.

What did Graham say?

During an interview on Fox News, Graham said he opposes the massive spending package — and would leave Washington to deny the Senate a quorum to effectively filibuster the bill.

"Before Republicans beat up on the Democrats in Texas for leaving Texas too much, if for some reason [congressional Democrats] ... bring that bill to the floor of the United States Senate, the $3.5 trillion bill — you got to have a quorum to pass a bill in the Senate. I would leave before I'd let that happen," Graham said.

"So to my Republican colleagues, we may learn something from our Democratic friends in Texas when it comes to avoiding a $3.5 trillion tax and spend package: leave town," Graham added.

When asked by show host Maria Bartiromo whether he would, in fact, skip town to deny Democrats quorum, Graham doubled down.

"Hell yeah I would leave," Graham responded.

"I will use everything lawfully in my toolbox to prevent rampant inflation. A $3.5 trillion infrastructure package that's got nothing to do with infrastructure, that is a tax and spend dream of the of the socialist left," Graham explained. "If it takes me not showing up to stop that, I will do it."

Sen. Lindsey Graham slammed the Democratic spending package and said on Fox News that he would flee, like the Texas… https://t.co/WEKkpByOeY

— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) 1626647576.0

Anything else?

Even if Republicans did not skip town to deny quorum in the Senate, Democrats don't appear to have enough support to pass their massive reconciliation package.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), the most-moderate Democratic senator and probably the most powerful man in Washington, has said he is "very, very disturbed" about some elements of the Democratic reconciliation package, especially those targeting fossil fuels.

Still, even if Senate Democrats won Manchin's approval, he has voiced concerns over the massive spending. Manchin said last week that any legislation passed should be paid for, because, "I don't think we need more debt."