AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The Texas House gaveled in Monday short of a quorum after more than 50 Democratic lawmakers fled the state over the weekend to block a vote on creating a new U.S. congressional map that would give Republicans an edge to pick up five additional seats.

Even though 100 members were not in the lower chamber — the needed amount for a quorum — House members voted on a motion to have the sergeant-at-arms track down absentee lawmakers, under warrant of arrest if necessary, and bring them back to Austin to reestablish quorum.

The House voted to issue a "call of the house," which locks members of the chamber in unless they are permitted to leave, and it allows the Speaker to issue arrest warrants for members not present. All six present Democrats voted against the motion.

House

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