(NewsNation) — A weekslong fight over Texas’ congressional map could come to a head Wednesday, as representatives from the Lone Star State are set to vote on the changes after delays from House Democrats.
Texas Republicans first called a special legislative session in June aimed at securing five additional House seats for President Donald Trump.
Lawmakers weren’t able to cast votes, however, because dozens of House Democrats broke quorum and fled the state in protest, ultimately causing the House to gavel out.
Tuesday’s vote, part of a second special legislative session, comes as protests are expected outside the Texas state Capitol.
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Texas Capitol grounds closed after threat
Reports of a social media threat prompted the evacuation and closure of the state Capitol, with lawmakers still inside, on Tuesday.
Authorities said someone posted a message online calling on others to go to the Capitol and shoot and kill “those who will not allow lawmakers to leave,” NewsNation affiliate KXAN reported.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said it was working to identify the person who posted the message.
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Texas Rep. Nicole Collier stays at Capitol in protest
DPS troopers cleared the building just before a planned protest outside the House chamber in support of Rep. Nicole Collier, a Fort Worth Democrat who has refused to leave the Capitol since Monday.
Collier has voiced her opposition to new rules requiring lawmakers who broke quorum to be monitored and escorted by law enforcement.
Other Democrats joined her, remaining in the chamber during the evacuation and overnight,
with armed officers guarding the doors.
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Former Vice President Kamala Harris told Collier in a phone call that her actions are “inspiring so many people,” according to a video posted by Texas House Democrats.
“I just want you to know that you are among those who history will reveal to have been heroes of this moment,” Harris can be heard saying in the video.
Outside the Capitol, Democrats are standing just as firm and have said they won’t be intimidated by Republicans.
Meanwhile, Republican House Speaker Dustin Burrows has made it clear he will do everything in his power to keep democrats from breaking quorum again.
