Several Texas state House Democrats are set to discard the written agreements permitting their departure from the chamber with police escort on Monday and their planned return to the House floor on Tuesday night, as disclosed by the caucus.

This move follows the recent departure of Democratic lawmakers from Texas to Washington, D.C., in protest against proposed election legislation. The lawmakers’ absence has caused a lack of quorum in the state House, stalling the passage of the bill.

In response to the Democrats leaving the state, Republican Governor Greg Abbott has vowed to continue calling special sessions until the election bill is addressed, indicating ongoing political tensions surrounding the issue.

The decision by the Texas Democrats to tear up the agreements signifies a deepening of the rift between the two parties over the proposed legislation, with Republicans advocating for its passage and Democrats opposing it on grounds of voter suppression.

A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “The actions of Texas Democrats reflect their commitment to defending voting rights, while Republicans argue for the necessity of election reform to ensure integrity.” The ongoing standoff underscores the intense debate surrounding voting rights and election integrity across the country.